Above: Becca Moczygemba is a freelance writer and communications professional. An industry veteran, she has held positions at Mitsui & Co., Kloeckner Metals and Steel Market Update.
How to bring the next generation into the metals industry has been a hot topic for many years as executives strive to build a pipeline of talent to sustain what they worked tirelessly to build. While changing recruiting practices is one way to increase the talent pool, industry exposure to a younger demographic might be the way to go.
During the first week of June, Quality Metal Stamping (QMS), in partnership with Chester County High School hosted its second annual five-day Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs manufacturing camp in Henderson, Tennessee.
“The camp creates awareness for students and the surrounding community. It shows how important manufacturing and these skilled trades are for the future,” says James Carter, automotive instructor at the high school.
“It helps those students who are looking for something other than sports to use their hands and minds [and] parents get to see their students be active,” Carter adds.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) is a charitable foundation run by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). The foundation’s purpose is to support individuals in discovering their interest in manufacturing and to encourage the pursuit of a manufacturing career. These summer camps are designed to give 12- to 16-year-olds hands-on experience in modern manufacturing and allow them to explore new interests. The experience includes the opportunity to tour manufacturing facilities, create and build a product of their own, and learn about entrepreneurship.
“The camp offers something fun and interesting for students to participate in, especially students who may not be able to afford other opportunities. Some students have an interest in the topics covered, while others are still unsure of what their interests are,” says Heather Griffin, QMS’s people operations manager.
Camp activities are structured around a specific idea. Chester County High School’s session focused on a working wind turbine. Throughout the week, students used math, science and problem-solving skills to design and test their final product. They combined metal fabrication, woodworking, wire soldering and some basic aerodynamics to create their masterpiece.
On the final day, parents were invited to view the wind turbine demonstrations that the students created. “I think it turned out great, and I’m planning more ways to involve the parents for future camps,” says Carter.
OUTREACH
“QMS is eager to inspire and educate the next generation of American manufacturers. NBT has built an incredible organization that we highly respect and plan to partner with for many years to come. The impact these camps are having is real, and we hope to support and encourage others who are considering a camp,” says Colin Serling, QMS’s vice president of strategy.
Though hosting a camp might seem daunting, the return is nothing short of successful.
For Carter, having a former student who now works for QMS was a highlight of the event. “It was a great moment for the students participating in the camp to see where they could be in a few years,” he says.
The effects of being an NBT camp host reach far beyond your organization, and getting involved is as simple as reaching out to your community.
“The first step to hosting a successful camp is building a relationship with the local schools,” says Carter. “Offer plant tours and job shadowing for students and educators. Getting everyone involved helps create awareness of the company.” Griffin at QMS says, “We hope that the camp provides students with insight into many facets of manufacturing and other trades. Whether that is machining, management, engineering or fabrication, we hope the skills and values learned at NBT will be lifelong tools used to become a productive member of our community,” she adds. QMS plans to continue hosting NBT camps and attract even more students. “The continued education can serve as an incredible pipeline of talent for manufacturers just like QMS,” says Serling. For more information on hosting a Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs camp, visit http://fmamfg.org/foundation/camps
