CMTA Champions of Manufacturing Summit

Hosted by Adam Carolla, hear about the growth in California manufacturing. These firms have been selected as Champions of Manufacturing:

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
California Steel Industries
Fathom
California Custom Fruits and Flavors
Vista Metals
Parallax
Keystone Engineering Company

Forward this postcard to your friends.

Del Oro High School Students Tour Progressive Technology

Students participating in tours of Sacramento manufacturers repeatedly reported that the direct interaction with technicians, engineers and staff had the most impact of them. Many said that it solidified their education and career plans. The tours were part of the National Manufacturing Day and organized by Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) and the Sierra Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Collaborative.

An Oakmont High School student said, “It definitely made me more sure of my plans to pursue higher education for engineering and gave me a more clear idea what a future job might look like.”

Dan Frank, who teaches Engineering Support Technology at Rocklin High School, toured RobbJack in Lincoln, CA with his students. “As a result of the tour, my students seemed more committed to the program and can see themselves becoming technicians and engineers,” said Frank. “Students really connected to individual employees who talked to them about welding, organizing the shop using 7S or programming CNC machines to create prototypes.”

Teachers also say that the experiences are enriching their curriculum with applied academics and 21st Century Skills.

Learn more about the impact of high school STEM students touring local businesses as part of the National Manufacturers Day and how teachers are using the experience to help students refine their interest in Advanced Manufacturing careers as well as bringing real world applications into their classrooms by reading:  STEM Teachers See Impact of Manufacturing Day Tours Organized by Sierra College.

Roseville-based Harris & Bruno International hosted a tour for Rocklin High School students in Dan Frank’s Engineering Support Technology classes on October 18.

In addition to touring the facility, meeting engineers and talking to employees about the equipment they operate, students benefited from advice from Harris and Bruno managers. Jim Riga, Director of Engineering & Service, explained how getting involved in campus clubs and competitions exposed him to companies seeking interns and to professors who often are aware of employment opportunities. An internship led to a job after he graduated. He was able to advance his career through several promotions by demonstrating his desire to contribute to the company.

“Businesses are looking for employees with good attitudes, who are happy to come to work,” said Riga. “You must have a desire to add value, demonstrate a good work ethic, believe that ‘good enough’ is not ‘good enough,’ be solution oriented and ask, ‘what can I do to help the company be successful?’”

Ed Lee, COO/CFO, urged students to do well in school. “Your grades tell others your ability to learn,” said Lee. “Good grades create opportunity.” He also urged students to demonstrate through their actions that they have a good attitude about work. “Don’t waste your time; do everything you can to be a valuable employee. If your contribution results in a 50 cent raise early in your career, that is equal to $1000 per year and $30-40,000 over your career,” said Lee.

Students gained interview advice from Courtney Wickens, Human Resources Manager. “When you are being considered for a job, you are likely to talk with Human Resources first,” said Wickens. “Making it through to the next interview is about character and drive to be part of the team as well as your ability to do the work. Show your passion, be dynamic and communicate that you want to contribute to the company.”

Learn more by watching the Harris & Bruno International corporate movie.

The tour for Rocklin High School was supported by the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) and the Sierra STEM Collaborative to encourage students to consider STEM careers in design, engineering and manufacturing. This is one of several tours being offered by local employers as an extension of Manufacturing Day 2012. Thanks to Harris & Bruno for giving students this opportunity to see real world application of the skills they are learning in school as well as advice on how to pursue technical education and careers.