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Dream It Do It North Texas
Even with global changes dictating swings in economic trends, manufacturing is still one of the primary driving forces of technology and economic advancement. Despite statistics that paint a negative picture of job outsourcing, plant closings and job displacement due to the implementation of technology, manufacturing is essential to the economic vitality of a community. The perception of manufacturing is changing as plants and companies adopt new methods of production to remain competitive. Assembly lines with employees detached from their work are being replaced with technologically advanced plants, where employees have input into processes and career advancement. Manufacturing in North Texas spurs the creation of new companies, new consumer markets and beneficial careers with a rewarding standard of living. The use of advanced technology enables manufacturers to produce the next generation of products faster, cheaper, and cleaner. North Texas' strengths include the emerging technologies, semiconductors, and nanotechnology industry segments, just to name a few. |
Collaboration And Strategic Partnerships
As change in technologies and lean manufacturing processes that advance the production of goods and services are adopted, collaborative partnerships between industry, academia and government become critical. These collaborations encourage competitiveness and the incorporation of leading edge technology into the commercialization process. Early in the process, we met with the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) to brief them on our selection by the National Association of Manufacturers as a national pilot site to market test "Dream It Do It". We also proposed collaborating with the Texas Workforce Commission grant in order to utilize the KUDER system as a means to (1) identify both aptitude and interest among high school students for advanced manufacturing careers, and (2) utilize the KUDER platform to deliver the " Dream It Do It" message and imagery. In the high school years - especially in the 9th and 10th grade years - students should be closing in on a decision about the cluster of occupations they are likely to enter, which high school courses would be most beneficial for them, and what kind of education or training they will pursue after high school. Advanced Manufacturing Advisory BoardAt the beginning of the process, an Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Board, compromised of our area's leading manufacturers, was formed. During the first six months, the primary challenge was recruiting manufacturers willing to engage, based on their perception that working with the publicly funded workforce system was too slow, cumbersome and not cost effective. For example, a local semiconductor manufacturer, when first approached, indicated it would cost them more to do the paperwork than they would receive in training assistance. Manufacturers also indicated that their primary challenge was incumbent worker training, more so than entry level, citing the rapid evolution of the manufacturing process. We also learned that the manufacturers were focused on retaining employees while utilizing automation, robotics, and technology to drive production; that they were consolidating in areas of the country where they could find a skilled, trained workforce that was cost competitive; and that the lack of training capacity in certain areas was driving wages so high that they would be forced to move jobs offshore due to the wages they were forced to pay. |
Talent Development
Texas Workforce Commission recommendations for education and workforce focus on developing a "just-in-time" workforce, which may be defined as a workforce that meets the current skill and demand levels of industry. The workforce must be available and prepared to complete tasks required for employment. In a 2004 survey, the National Association of Manufacturers stated that one of the top challenges employers face is access to a high-tech skilled workforce to work in the labs and manufacturing plants of tomorrow. The Advisory Board outlined the key elements of an effective workforce and education program for the state, which includes: |
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Education and Workforce Partners:
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