SME Supports Manufacturing Growth and Workforce Education in a Variety of Industries

By Dr. Allen Alper
on 9/1/2014

Jeannine Kunz, Managing Director of SME’s workforce and education initiatives, took some time to speak with Metals News about the way that SME works to advance manufacturing in North America.

SME advances manufacturing and attracts future generations through its events, media, membership, training & development and the SME Education Foundation. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has been gathering, validating and sharing manufacturing knowledge for more than 80 years.

Kunz said, “As the Managing Director of workforce and education, I oversee all of our education and training and development services and activities. Much of the staff’s time is spent helping companies develop their employees and enable career advancement or assisting schools in the development of the industry’s next generation of manufacturing workers and leaders.”

One way that SME encourages growth in manufacturing is through partnerships with schools. Said Kunz, “In 1979, SME established an education foundation that supports many initiatives to inspire and prepare kids for the rewarding and noble careers within advanced manufacturing. Specifically, the foundation provides numerous scholarships to high school aged students to help support them in their pursuit of education. Additionally, the SME Education Foundation’s Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) creates connections between manufacturing, high school students, educators and the industry to grow and train the next generation workforce — all while driving interest and awareness in manufacturing.” Launched in 2011, the PRIME approach provides the opportunity for students, teachers and schools to have access to real-life manufacturing education and tools, as well as engage with manufacturing companies in the local community.

In addition to the work that SME does with students, they also work to connect manufacturers and new technology. Said Kunz, “Our employees work on a wide range of programs designed to promote the advancement of technology. We publish one of the leading manufacturing magazines, Manufacturing Engineering, and we hold events showcasing the latest advancements in technology, while providing excellent opportunities for networking. We believe it is important to bring new technologies to the market to spur innovation and growth within our industry.”

SME doesn’t focus on advancing manufacturing by only utilizing its employees. In fact, they utilize a large group of volunteers. Said Kunz, “What makes SME unique is that we have employees, but also thousands of members who volunteer their time, talent and treasure to advance our cause. Some of these people have been volunteers for as many as thirty and forty years. These volunteers are a critical extension of our employee base.”

SME’s commitment to training and education can be seen in their strategic acquisitions of companies that round out the SME portfolio. Said Kunz, “Another part of our business is training and development. Four years ago, we acquired an Ohio-based company primarily focused on online classes in machining, welding, assembly, maintenance, quality and safety. Now known as Tooling U-SME, we offer a full suite of services including instructor-led training, online training, books and videos, as well as industry certifications. The topics we cover are far reaching from production to engineering, materials, GD&T, and more recently 3D printing. By combining our efforts, we are able to offer a stronger value proposition to the market. ”

Kunz is optimistic about the future of manufacturing. She said, “In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the national discussion regarding the importance of a healthy manufacturing economy in the United States. As an example, there is national interest and investment by our government in the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation institutes to accelerate development and adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for making new, globally competitive products. Additionally, there has been greater emphasis on educating and encouraging kids to explore careers in the manufacturing sector. There are good indicators of growth. As the industry grows and technology adoption expands, there needs to be a greater emphasis on training our people to push manufacturing in our country. At SME, we are very much focused on preparing manufacturing for tomorrow by developing these skilled workers today.”

The organization has recently expanded and evolved its focus beyond manufacturing engineering as seen by its recent name change to SME from Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Kunz said, “SME was founded by a few dozen members after seeing the need for an organization like this. We do so much more within manufacturing than when we started and our original name indicated.

We are able to shift as the market shifts. We understand the dynamics and the struggles of manufacturers. Taking the time and making the investment to adopt new technologies and develop your workforce is hard but necessary. Our research at SME shows that world-class companies know there is a direct connection between a skilled, highly trained workforce and organizational improvements that boost the bottom line. What sets these organizations apart from their competitors is an understanding of, and commitment to, investing in training and development for their people.”

SME is committed to advancing manufacturing and attracting future generations to the industry. It is what inspires the organization’s staff and volunteers who give back to manufacturing every day.

See more at: sme.org and Toolingu.com