Many people, particularly those with family members who worked in factories a generation ago, have misconceptions about what it means to work in manufacturing industries today. That’s the reason Catalyst Connection offers Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy in partnership with the Consortium.
The hope is that these professional development seminars will help educators give students an understanding of careers they can pursue that are far different than the ones their parents and grandparents might associate with factories.
“We’re trying to change perceptions of what manufacturing is today,” said Hannah Kusenko, Workforce Specialist with Catalyst Connection, which serves as a resource. “We want teachers to know how high-tech it is, and what a great industry career pathway it would be for their students.”
The program name, Industry 4.0, refers to what manufacturers regard as a fourth Industrial Revolution that harnesses the power of advanced technologies ranging from robotics and artificial intelligence to 3-D printing and virtual reality.
The Industry 4.0 sessions, which began in 2023, are offered either in series, or singly. At each session, participants get a tour of the hosting facility and engage in a program-related hands-on activity. After that, several industry representatives present information about their respective companies and discuss the kinds of jobs they offer, along with what they look for in candidates, and what teachers might do in their classrooms to prepare students for employment. Following a panel discussion, they entertain questions.
The Consortium caps the industry segment with a learning session focused on ways to incorporate material in classroom lessons to help students with an interest in manufacturing.
“We offer some strategies and stimulate exchange among the educators themselves to generate ideas across different subject areas,” said Consortium Director of Organizational Strategy and Special Projects. Jenn Sethman, who facilitates the learning session in collaboration with Gina Barrett, the Consortium’s Director of Partnerships.
The most recent Industry 4.0 Academy took place in December at Westmoreland County Community College’s Advanced Technology Center. Presenters included representatives from ZOLL Medical Corp., a medical device maker; Siemens Energy, a manufacturer of power equipment; and Intervala, a contract manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical equipment.
“The entire program gives educators a great overview of manufacturing in our region and puts them in touch with people who have their fingers on the pulse of employer expectations and the job market,” said Barrett.
Added Kusenko, “It gives companies the chance to connect with educators and maybe do further exploration with students, sometimes by visiting the classroom as speakers.”
