Talent

Worker Training Key to Success of New Digital Lab

Feb. 28, 2014

Dean L. Bartles, SME vice president, who is currently vice president of General Dynamics, will take on the role of executive director at UI Labs, which is home to the Digital Lab.

Adrienne Selko

SME, which is a national organization that supports the manufacturing industry, is playing a key role in the new Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovative Institute that was announced earlier this week.

Dean L. Bartles, SME vice president, who is currently vice president of General Dynamics, will take on the role of executive director at Digital Labs.

"To be competitive in a global economy, it is essential for manufacturing workers to keep up with and be educated on technological advances,” advises Jeannine Kunz, managing director of Workforce and Education, SME. “A well-trained employee will understand and leverage new technology, leading to increased innovation and productivity.

"As the new Digital Lab for Manufacturing develops and commercializes technology, SME and its members will build the complete set of competencies and curriculum for these digital technologies; and SME has the expertise to train workers for these complex advanced manufacturing jobs.”

The organization will support the lab through a variety of methods including, industry-wide certifications, training courses or content development that is tailored to the project’s specific needs.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.