Lack of qualified, skilled workers in manufacturing...

Hello,

You've heard me talk about this many times. Here is an interesting article by Corey Chambers of In Business Magazine, explaining what and why might be the reason for the lack of skilled labor.....

".....that slightly over 50% of the businesses surveyed were hiring. What is even more interesting is that there are also applicant shortages at over 50% of the companies that are hiring. How can there be a labor shortage when unemployment rates remain so high?"
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".....with over 50% of those hiring indicating a shortage of experienced technical school grads – by far the largest category."
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"To be competitive, most companies have replaced unskilled labor with technology such as robotics, and manufacturing jobs now often involve running computerized equipment, not backbreaking work."
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".....the tech schools are not turning out trained students fast enough to run their computerized manufacturing equipment." 
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"So why aren't more kids going to tech school? I believe this is a societal and parental question. For the past couple of generations, we have frequently defined success as going to college in order to get a "good job." Our education system and parents have pushed kids that way." 
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"It seems our labor supply and demand are a bit mismatched at the moment. It will be interesting to see if society and parents redefine what success might look like and to see if our educational system adjusts at all to better meet the current needs of our workforce."


To read the full article by Corey Chambers, "Mind" You Business. Please go to: In Business Blog

Thanks,

Peter

Link to robotics training videos

Hello!

I created a YouTube channel. I will be posting all robotics related training videos students created during classes.

Please subscribe to the channel, if you would like to be notified automatically when any new videos are added.

Congrats to all my students! That is some good work!

PSDettmerMATC YouTube channel for Robotics videos.

Madison College is now a member of the RIA

Building on our existing certified education partnership with FANUC Robotics, Madison Area Technical College is now an official educator member of the Robotics Industry Association (RIA) sponsored by FANUC Robotics. Link to listing.

As an RIA member we are now able to provide our students and faculty access to in-depth information relating to the robotics industry, such as safety & compliance, industry trends, and career opportunities.

Robotic Industries Association (RIA) provides information to help engineers, managers and executives apply and justify robotics and flexible automation. The site includes a Buyer's Guide with a search engine function, plus featured articles, daily news updates, case studies, technical papers, event calendar, job openings, an "Ask the Experts" forum, and much more.

Founded in 1974, RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms.

TED - get inspired....

Hello!

Here is a link to TED. TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.

There is a whole lot very interesting and cool ideas out there. Take a few minutes and scan through the different subjects and topics.

Here are some of the videos that were shared in classes I teach and some of my favorites:
FESTO - bird
Bill FORD - a future beyond traffic gridlock
Legos for grownups
Self-assembly?

Enjoy! I did!

Thanks,

Peter

Sample news articles.....

Here is a listing of some of the news articles shared in my current classes:

FESTO - robotic bird (you may have to click through an ad, in order to get to the article)
Wireless war within plants
Wireless Solutions for Industrial Automation (Prosoft)
Tanks test infrared invisibility cloaking
Skilled labor sought in WI factories
Boston Dynamics - Big Dog transport robot (video)
PLC Market for Thermal Power Plants (this report could be yours, for the low, low price of $3500!) ;-)

if you don't see yours, be assured that you did a good job and receive full credit for your assignment, I just don't reference them all.

Thanks,

Peter

How to set up RSLinx with Ethernet device driver - video

Click this video to watch a short video on how to configure your RSLinx software with the EtherNet device driver, in order to communicate between your RSLogix500 programming software and PLC hardware. Please note that you will need to change your IP address configuration to match your environment and set up!

How to set up RSLinx with EtherNet IP driver - video

Click this video to watch a short video on how to configure your RSLinx software with the EtherNet IP driver, in order to communicate between your RSLogix500 programming software and PLC hardware. Please note that you will need to change your IP address configuration to match your environment and set up!

MSSC training (free) and information....

Hello!

We are offering additional, free training classes for MSSC (Manufacturing Skills Standards Council). Please click here for a schedule and all available classes.

By taking MSSC classes, you can earn a nationally recognized certification as a "Certified Production Technician (CPT)." It's a great opportunity to get introduced to all manufacturing related subjects, review recent developments and demonstrate your knowledge to employers by earning a certification. Here is some more info on the 4 different MSSC modules core content.

Here are some links that provide more information about the MSSC program's benefits for you and your employer.

MSSC USA - CPT program
MSSC WI - employee benefits

MSSC WI - employer benefits
MSSC testimonials and training partners

This is a great opportunity to further your education, knowledge and have your resume standout when applying for a job. MSSC is the equivalent for manufacturing, as ASE is for the automotive industry.

I've had several experienced maintenance workers in my class, as well students who have been out of or are new to the manufacturing industry. Everyone learned something new, benefited from the class and were glad that they took the training!

To sign up for any classes, please contact: Claudette Zweifel at 608-243-4466 or email edatraining@matcmadison.edu

Electrical symbols.....

There have been some questions about Electrical symbols....

Here are two pictures of the most common electrical symbols you may find in your projects, labs and schematics:

Electrical symbols 1

Electrical symbols 2

If you have an "Ugly's" reference guide, you can also look them up in it.

Thanks,

Peter