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moldmakingtechnology.com 51 LEARN MORE For more on The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte survey of more than 1,000 members of Generation Y who ranked "manufacturing" dead last on a list of industry preferences, visit short.moldmakingtechnology.com/geny On top of that, gone are the days when a student may have gained an interest in manufacturing through industrial arts or shop classes. In recent decades, technical education programs in many communities have been decimated due to budget cuts, standards-focused educational initiatives and a preference for four-year-college preparation, which does little to expose students to manufacturing technology. As a result, most students now graduate high school having no idea what a toolmaker, moldmaker, CNC opera- tor, industrial maintenance technician, automation technician or welder does, much less recognizing the potentially rewarding career that might await a stu- dent who chooses such a pathway. The Next Move All of this does paint an unsettling picture for those manufacturers facing the skills gap as more and more baby boomers reach retirement age and leave the workforce. Industrial employ- ers will find it increasingly difficult to secure the requisite talent to grow their organizations and compete in the global economy. However, there still exists reason for optimism. Today, there are grassroots efforts led by industrial employers, educators and solutions providers who are partnering in innovative ways to educate young people about the rewarding careers that await them in the manufacturing sector, while exposing them to the environments and skills that nurture an interest in industry. In part two of this series next month, we will explore these efforts. FOR MORE INFORMATION LAB Midwest LLC 414-534-1500 mkirchner@labmidwest.com labmidwest.com CONTRIBUTOR Matt Kirchner has been with LAB Midwest since 2015, bringing more than 20 years of executive- level industrial and manufacturing experience to the leadership team, including a first-hand perspective of the key role a skilled workforce plays in the success of an industrial enterprise. Prior to that, Matt served for seven years as the CEO of American Finishing Resources LLC. As one of the early pioneers developing CAD/CAM software for manufacturing, Cimatron will continue its 33 year legacy going forward as part of 3D Systems. Look forward to new opportunities for MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE! Cimatron is now part of 3D Systems THINGS ARE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER For more information go to: www.3dsystems.com | www.cimatrontech.com