Why are there so few real-world skills-development programs available today to train Veterans in order to help close the manufacturing skills gap?
Answers
Hi,
Siemens has a program that provides free training for veterans on Computer-aided Design (CAD), Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) and PLM Software.
More info here: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/academic/regional-programs/military-veterans.shtml
Take care,
Crystal
"'The results have not matched the rhetoric"
Perhaps Get Skills to work can learn form programs such as these? It would be fantastic of there were more skills development programs for Veterans.
Where Factory Apprenticeship Is Latest Model From Germany
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/business/where-factory-apprenticeship-is-latest-model-from-germany.html
A few quotes that resonate with me:
" 'The results have not matched the rhetoric in terms of direct funding for apprenticeships so far,' said Robert Lerman, a professor of economics at American University in Washington. 'I’m hoping for a new push.' "
“We need to find a way to establish two-year training programs on a broader scale,” he said. “Everybody who I hire is someone who is not available for our suppliers to hire.”
Angela,
Thanks for the reply. The link you provide above takes me to a beautifully crafted article, a beautiful press release and a beautiful infographic/flowchart.
Unfortunately, much of what is in the flowchart does not seem to exist in the real world.
In my opinion what Veterans need is not a beautiful infographic or press-release or video, but rather an actual program they can apply to that offers person-based career counseling and person-based case management, real-world skills development, certifications and assistance with job-search.
If any of this exists, pleas let me know how and where Veterans can apply. A URL, email address or phone number are all helpful. Again after over a year, I see only a pilot program at Cincinnati State.
And even the form for the program at Cincinnati Stare gets no reply. I filled the form out in Oct. 2013 and in Nov. 2013, and heard nothing each time.
http://www.getskillstowork.org/
Please try this form yourself and see if you get any useful information:
http://www.cincinnatistate.edu/real-world-academics/student-services/veterans-1/get-skills-to-work
I am looking into your questions with Harper and will keep you posted with details. Also, I'm not sure if you got answers to your previously asked questions earlier this month (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10744/get-skills-to-work-program-provides-veterans-with-career-building-skills-for-advanced-manufacturing/). If not, I will see what I can find out for you.
Angela,
Is the Harper College program operational today? How do Veterans sign up today. (It is not mentioned at getskillstowork.org.)
I am sincerely disappointed that after more than 1 year since the Get Skills to Work initiative was announced, there is only 1 up-and-running "skills-development" program related to the Get Skills to Work campaign "sort of" operating (it is a pilot program at Cincinnati State).
I was sincerely hopeful that with the backing of such a large and powerful corporation, the skills-training part of the program would have more substance.
I just found out about this program (Excerpt from recent press release).
October 16, 2013
Illinois First State to Join the “Get Skills to Work” Coalition;
Coalition Helps 30,000 U.S. Veterans in First Year
CHICAGO, IL – October 16, 2013 — GE (NYSE: GE), the State of Illinois, The Manufacturing Institute, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Harper College today announced Illinois as the first state to join the Get Skills to Work (GSTW) coalition (http://www.getskillstowork.org/). The coalition brings together employers, industry leaders, educators and the public sector to help veterans get the skills they need for careers in advanced manufacturing.
Founded one year ago, GSTW helps veterans translate military skills and experience to advanced manufacturing positions, provides skills training for U.S. veterans, and empowers employers with tools to recruit, onboard, and mentor veterans. The GSTW coalition was founded by GE, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Alcoa and The Manufacturing Institute. More than 190 new manufacturers recently joined the coalition, helping to connect veterans with even greater opportunities in advanced manufacturing. In its first year, close to 30,000 U.S. veterans were reached through GSTW.
Through this new Illinois partnership, GSTW will help veterans pursue and fill open advanced manufacturing jobs by providing targeted training and skills certifications. To ensure the training meets the immediate needs of local manufacturers, Illinois employers from across the state will work directly with the state’s community colleges to provide quality education grounded in industry-based certifications.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said, “As the first state in the nation to join the Get Skills to Work training program, we are proud to be a part of this coalition that will support our local heroes. Illinois is home to tens of thousands of veterans and this partnership will help offer them the training they need for careers in advanced manufacturing. This statewide partnership demonstrates how the public and private sector can come together to drive economic growth and expand opportunities for our veterans.”
The new partnership with the GSTW coalition was announced today at GE Garages, a month-long “fab lab” at Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) that invites participants to explore the future of advanced manufacturing through curated speaker programs, panels and hands-on experiences with high-grade equipment such as 3D printing and laser cutters. Expected to be in attendance were approximately 100 Chicago-area veterans, educators, policymakers, and manufacturers. Featured speakers included Governor Quinn; Gary Sinise, actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation; Russell Stokes, president and CEO of GE Transportation; Greg Baise, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association; and Dr. Kenneth Ender, president of Harper College.
Stokes said, “An active and vibrant manufacturing industry is essential to the strength and continued growth of the U.S. economy. Veterans embody many of the leadership qualities that can help drive growth and initiative at GE. This statewide partnership with Illinois marks a major milestone on GSTW’s one year anniversary and further highlights our nationwide effort to support veterans as they transition into jobs that will help drive U.S. capacity and competitiveness.”
Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute, said, “Advanced manufacturing is a promising pathway for those who served our nation as the industry continues to play an important role in our nation's economy. One of our core goals is to ensure that U.S. manufacturers have the workforce that the 21st century economy requires. The GSTW coalition and our servicemen and women will undoubtedly help us reach this goal.”
Get Skills to Work has helped veterans translate military experience to corresponding advanced manufacturing opportunities and gain the technical skills needed to qualify for careers in this growing sector. Companies and veterans interested in joining this effort or learning more can visit GetSkillstoWork.org or join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/GetSkillstoWork and Twitter @GetSkillstoWork.
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