November 2022 Volume 4

INDUSTRY NEWS

During a panel session, representatives from industry and education discussed challenges they are facing and how they can prepare for the future. Panelists included Mindy Toth, Fives North American Combustion; Jim McGuffin-Cawley, Case Western Reserve University; and Ray Nejadfard, Cuyahoga Community College. There was extensive dialogue around what professors can do to help students get ready for the workforce, which brought to light the feedback from the industry about the need to not only educate them on the hard skills and technical knowledge, but also soft skills and how to work well with others. Company representatives provided insight into how their Internship and Co-Op programs operate, and how they are incentivizing new employees with sign-on bonuses, continued education/training opportunities, and flexible work schedules. The summit concluded with a tour of the Tri-C Advanced Technologies Training Center (ATTC). The ATTC is a 50,000-square-foot facility featuring high-bay labs, multi-purpose training areas and an energy-efficient and naturally lighted environment for learning. The ATTC links workforce education to the latest technology. The ATTC, combined with the College’s Unified Technologies Center (UTC), is the largest technology training complex inOhio.The ATTCwas designed and constructed to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The ATTC provides students with education, hands-on training and employment preparation

skills for well-paying jobs. Many of the programs offered take just 10-18 weeks to complete, providing employers with a constant feeder system of job-ready candidates for the in-demand high-tech industry. “It was great to get together with faculty and industry representatives to discuss education and workforce development needs to ensure curricula are addressing the advanced technologies and innovations being implemented to assure a bright and sustainable future for the forging industry. Enhancing relationships that community colleges and universities have with forging companies through apprenticeships and internships will familiarize students with the industry, allow students to develop relevant soft-skills, and provide career opportunities for the next generation of forging professionals,” said Kester Clarke. The next FIERF Professors Summit will be held in Summer of 2023. If you would like more information on getting involved with the Forging Foundation (FIERF), or participating in future FIERF events, please contact Amanda Dureiko, FIERF Sr. Manager Foundation and Workforce Development, at amanda@forging.org or call 216-781-6260.

The Forging Foundation builds a pipeline of the best and brightest future employees of the forging industry!

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The awards scholarships each year to students interested in careers in the forging industry. Scholarship Programs: • The Al Underys Engineering, Metallurgical & Material Sciences Memorial Scholarship • Charles W. Finkl Scholarship • Forging Industry Women’s Scholarship • President’s Challenge Forging Foundation

The Forging Foundation awards grants to advance the science of forging and to engage students and professors in industry relevant research. (Forging Research section of FIA Magazine features papers written by these students and professors.)

The Forging Foundation hosts Technology and Workforce Development Summits to develop meaningful relationships between businesses, faculty and students for senior design/research projects and to develop a talent pipeline through internships and interactions within the forging industry.

For more information about FIERF contact Amanda Dureiko, Senior Manager - Foundation & Workforce Development 6363 Oak Tree Blvd. | Independence, OH 44131 amanda@forging.org | www.fierf.org | (216) 781-6260

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2022 71