by Lara Copeland, contributing editor Plastics Business The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are currently 12.3 million manufacturing workers in the US, accounting for nine percent of the workforce. Over the next decade, Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI) estimate that - of the 3.5 million manufacturing jobs that will likely be needed 2 million are … [Read more...] about Manufacturing Day: Enhancing the Industry’s Image
STEM & Training
Challenges in Plastics Industry Education
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer Plastics Business Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan Program enrollment: approximately 215 Degrees offered: BS in plastics engineering technology; AAS in plastics and polymer engineering technology In 1998, the National Elastomer Center, a 28,000-square-foot facility, was built to house state-of-the-art labs, classrooms … [Read more...] about Challenges in Plastics Industry Education
Game Training: Engaging Employees at Poly-Cast
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor Plastics Business Long, tedious, dull – words often used to describe videos and other training materials employers use to keep employees informed and up to date with the latest policies and safety practices. While such videos undoubtedly contain useful information for workers, that information is rarely absorbed or is quickly forgotten … [Read more...] about Game Training: Engaging Employees at Poly-Cast
The View from 30 Feet: Scholarships Relieve Financial Burden, Encourage Plastics Industry Careers
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor Plastics Business Bob and Charllotte Janeczko, owners of Innovation Injection Technologies (also known as i2tech), West Des Moines, Iowa, have enjoyed fulfilling careers in the plastics industry. Wanting to give back to the industry that has given them so much, the Janeczkos opted to create the Bob and Charllotte Janeczko Endowed … [Read more...] about The View from 30 Feet: Scholarships Relieve Financial Burden, Encourage Plastics Industry Careers
Molding Millennials: PMC and the Next Generation of Plastics Manufacturers
by Brittany Willes, Plastics Business As the economy has recovered in recent years, manufacturing industries have seen a surplus of jobs accompanied by a shortage of skilled talent. In response, manufacturers such as PMC SMART Solutions, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Shelbyville, Indiana, have been reaching out to local colleges and high schools, encouraging students to consider … [Read more...] about Molding Millennials: PMC and the Next Generation of Plastics Manufacturers