Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform the nature of manufacturing and engineering work. While low-skill, lower-wage jobs could be phased out, newer technologies will create new high-skill, higher-wage jobs.
The SME Education Foundation supports the Additive Manufacturing Competition and Tooling U-SME’s Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals Certification exam at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky by providing scholarships to the high school winners of the contest.
A decades-long national bias against vocational careers continues to inform high school graduates that four-year college degrees are the only option for achieving success. Government data tells us otherwise. There are millions jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year and don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
Pratt & Whitney, Allendale Machinery Systems/Haas Factory Outlet, and Lloyd’z Motor Workz have partnered with the SME Education Foundation to make available education opportunities for students of Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, New York.
Shape Corp., a global tier-one automotive and industrial component supplier, is the latest manufacturer to join the growing list of companies partnering with the SME Education Foundation to expand its exemplary manufacturing education program for high school students.
In 2012, we awarded $521,400 to 205 students across the country, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $70,000.
In 2014, we awarded $617,800 to 248 students across the country, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $70,000.
The SME PRIME program at Anna High School prepares students for roles at manufacturing partner Honda of America Manufacturing with online learning manufacturing education courses like basic safety, measurement, robotics and quality control. The online learning is supplemented with hands-on training on precision measurement instruments and a FANUC robotic arm.
Pine Bush High School experienced "the highest of highs" after launching their SME PRIME Program. A day later, the school shut down due to the COVID pandemic. The school is making the most of opportunity and using their manufacturing equipment to produce face shields for frontline workers while also continuing to educate students through online courses.