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Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work
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Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work

Author: Mike Lesiecki

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For many of today’s technicians the Future of Work is already in focus. They are cross-disciplinary workers, immersed in diverse platforms and interrelated systems that once belonged to single industry sectors. This podcast series will explore the horizons of work from the perspective of industry partners, two-year college educators, technicians and NSF ATE leaders who are working together to transform technician education.
50 Episodes
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In this podcast episode, Mike Lesiecki hosts Alexandra Gorgevska, Department Chair for the Biotechnology Program at Palm Beach State College, as they discuss integrating emerging technologies into educational programs. Alexandra shares insights into the modifications made to the biotechnology program, highlighting partnerships with industry and the importance of adapting curriculum to meet industry demands. They focus on the introduction of spreadsheet skills in the curriculum, addressing challenges and strategies for implementation. Their discussion underscores the need for relevant skills in the workforce and the role of educational institutions in bridging skill gaps.
This episode provides a better understanding of why everyone needs basic cybersecurity awareness as Mike and guest John Sands explore the booming demand for cybersecurity professionals across industries, emerging threats, and the critical skills needed to combat them. They also discuss how community colleges are equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to succeed by integrating cybersecurity modules into existing training programs to create a cybersecurity-savvy workforce.
This episode delves into the pivotal role of data analytics in modern technical fields, particularly in Northern Utah's manufacturing sector. Mike and guests Mason Lefler and Scott Danielson explore the evolving landscape of technician education, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary STEM skills and the need for educational institutions to adapt to industry demands. They discuss the integration of data analytics into technician training programs, highlighting initiatives such as grants for developing data analytics courses and automated manufacturing trainers. They also touch on challenges in curriculum refinement and student skill retention.
In this episode, Mike and Kevin delve into the burgeoning realms of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). They explore the need for collaboration with educational institutions to train future professionals and identify job opportunities in the EV sector. Drawing from his visit to Tesla's Gigafactory, Kevin discusses manufacturing processes and emphasize the importance of safety certifications and coupling EVs with renewable energy sources. Additionally, he sheds light on the development of EV programs in Southeastern states and initiatives to address gender disparities in the automotive industry. From emerging battery technologies to cybersecurity considerations, Kevin offers insights into the dynamic landscape of renewable energy and EVs, leaving listeners with valuable resources for further exploration and professional growth.
In this debut episode of our extended podcast/webinar series, we take off on an enlightening journey as we navigate autonomous technologies with special guest Zackary Nicklin of the National Center for Autonomous Technologies. Episode Highlights: Exploring Autonomous Technologies: Join us as we delve into the transformative concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Zackary shares his expertise on the implementation of autonomous systems across industries with valuable commentary about it as it relates to the ever-evolving technological landscape. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Discover the future of transportation with Zackary's AAM. From programmable routes to sensors and driverless vehicles, we explore the potential impact on last-mile delivery, personal mobility, and beyond. Core Electronics Class Proposal: Learn about Northland College's proposal for a core electronics class, aiming to streamline coursework and expose students to diverse career pathways. Zackary discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing this innovative educational approach. Industry Applicability and Data Analytics: Explore the broad applicability of autonomous technologies across marine, agriculture, and space sectors. Dive into the importance of standardization, data analytics, and the role of these technologies in shaping various industries.
Imagine being part of a team working for global manufacturing, supply and distribution of groundbreaking vaccines and life-saving treatments. Imagine as a technician the different roles you might have. What are your job responsibilities? What are the fundamentals and what are the more advance skills that will set you on a career path of success? Find out in this episode when Mike explores these questions and more with guest Jon Tucker.As an industry leader with a wealth of experience, Jon shares his insight and discusses how education and industry are innovating and collaborating so that technicians are equipped with the skills they’ll need today and in the future of work.
As an IT professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, Amy brings her vast international experience in both large and small tech companies as she shares her insight into the Tech workforce. What skills does a technician coming into the workforce need to have to be employable and successful? Hear about the value of lifelong learning and reskilling as the development arc technicians need for a continuous trajectory of a thriving career in tech. Learn how Career Pathways, apprenticeships, and certifications are providing strategic inroads for students as well as a valuable pipeline of talent for industry.
In this episode, Todd Christensen joins Mike to talk about integrated sensors, MEMS, and how advanced digital technologies are increasing the complexity of the tools and skills required by technicians. Digitalization means technicians must be equipped with a broad range of cross-disciplinary stem skills. Todd also shares his take on the recent bill for chip manufacturing and research and how it could impact the workforce. Find out what Todd believes will be the next big thing and what advice he would offer to educators, employers, and future technicians.
In this episode, Mike interviews Jake Hall, the "Manufacturing Millennial" for a fresh perspective on the next generation of technicians. With emerging technologies in Industry 4.0, Jake shares his thoughts about how factories are transforming and what the manufacturing sector needs to do to recruit and develop young talent.
Host Mike Lesiecki interviews Jordan Morrow, the “Godfather of Data Literacy.” They discuss how technicians can become proficient in interpreting and communicating data and why these skills are more important than ever for the future of work. They examine what certification programs and pathways for data literacy and data analytics are emerging to help address the critical functions of data literacy and data analytics. Mike and Jordan explore how instructors can begin integrating data literacy and analytics into their own programs so that students are ready to work with data to diagnose and make decisions in the workplace.
Host Mike Lesiecki interviews Eric Wooldridge and learns how Eric’s education and broad industry experience in engineering, architecture, and farming help him develop curricula in additive manufacturing/3D printing for Somerset’s 16 college sites and satellites.Hear about innovations happening in additive manufacturing on the front-lines of education, and discover which skills in the Cross-Disciplinary Stem Core technicians will need as the demand for additive manufacturing/3D printing by various industries intensifies.
Join Mike and his guest, Justin Manley, as they take us on a seafaring exploration of the "blue economy" and the possibilities for technicians in this unique working environment. From his early days running a research lab building ocean robots at MIT to his current role on the business side, Justin brings his comprehensive take on ocean tech and the transferability of technical skills from one industry to another.
In this episode hear how one college is collaborating to innovate curriculum development. With the rapid emergence of the multi-disciplinary skills needed in technologies like the Internet of Things, learn about model strategies and how these innovators at Moraine Valley Community College are bringing out the best in their faculty to meet the needs of students and industry.
Phil Gilkes shares his extensive knowledge about the trends and transitions in the Supply Chain Automation industry. With systems like Predictive Maintenance and Overall Equipment Efficiency, Phil discusses the growing need for technicians to have a deeper understanding of effectiveness and efficiency in operating and maintaining equipment. Phil also gives insight into how education and employers are responding in order to equip technicians with the skills they'll need to succeed in the industry.
What is the number one skill that manufacturing looks for in recruiting? With emerging technologies and Industry 4.0, the landscape in manufacturing is changing every day. Despite the new corresponding skills technicians will need for career success, there are important perennial skills in the manufacturing industry. What are these skills? How will a technician integrate these cross-disciplinary skills for maximum effectiveness? Find out more in this podcast and hear how manufacturers are working with educators to develop programs for credentials and certifications for an effective talent pipeline that is ready for the future.
How are industry, education, and government working together to build a sustainable end-to-end bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem? Why is it more important than ever and how can industry work with educational institutions to influence curriculum development so that technicians acquire the cross-disciplinary skills industry needs? Listen to our interview with Tom Tubon of BioMADE as he and Mike discuss how BioMADE is catalyzing collaboration and innovation to help develop and expand the future workforce for industrial biotechnology.
In episode 33 Mike and guest Aaron Osmond explore the cloud from an industry and workforce perspective. They discuss the need to increase the pipeline of technicians going into cloud technology and how emerging technologies are expanding the range of skills needed by technicians working in the cloud space. With the increasing demand for skilled technicians hear how companies like AWS Cloud services are partnering with higher education institutions and workforce agencies to integrate cloud education into existing programs.
In this episode we hear three different perspectives from representatives in a strategic partnership that is developing the pipeline of technicians for one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities, a semiconductor foundry.
In this episode, Mike talks with Drew Garretson, Director of Digital Experience for Ceres Solutions. Drew shares about Industry 4.0 in agriculture and the diverse skills and expertise of technicians and farmers that are impacting agriculture in the digital age.
In this episode, Mike talks with Carl Benttine, a Senior Electronics Technician at Hormel Foods. Carl shares his educational and workforce journey, in which he gained a variety of electromechanical, programming and troubleshooting skills that have led to a long career.
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