The TechEd Podcast

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Data management isn't just a skill for data scientists. Today's shop floor is being managed by connected software systems that put manufacturing-specific data right into the hands of operators.
In addition to setting up and running equipment, operators are expected to interact with high-tech data software right at their work station that makes their job easier.
Data management is a skill every employer wants in a new hire - especially those in technical fields. So how should schools incorporate data into technical programs?
Paul Van Metre, Founder of ProShop ERP, is on a mission to help more schools move from spreadsheets to authentic industrial software so students have the foundation they need for the workforce. We talk all about data management for the shop floor & how to integrate these systems and processes in the classroom.
3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Spreadsheets are better than no data management, but ERP is even better: If your program isn't exploring data management at all, then spreadsheets are a great place to start (many manufacturers use them all the time). But to truly simulate the advanced manufacturing workplace, use authentic software like an ERP system (which are sometimes free to education)
2. Schools should teach the integration of digital technology and physical machines: There isn't a job in manufacturing where an employee doesn't interact with business management software. Learning these skills in school, especially how they impact the work done on manufacturing equipment, will help students excel in the workforce. Whether using ERP to manage projects over a semester or launching a full student-run business, teachers can explore a wide range of options to incorporate data management into their curriculum
3. Student-run businesses are a great way to teach manufacturing skills & employability skills at the same time: Most technical programs focus on teaching hard skills, like machine operation and programming. Transforming those skills into a student-run business enables students to learn employability skills, too: customer service, sales and marketing, product development, data management, teamwork, communication, time-management, etc. These are the kinds of employability skills that make them ideal candidates for the workforce.

Resources

• Learn more about ProShop ERP
• Educators - contact ProShop if you're interested in getting this software into your technical program!
• Learn all about Eagle Manufacturing, the student-run business in Brown County
• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn

Connect with ProShop on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/proshop/

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

What if we threw out grades and focused on proficiency instead? What if students could choose their own curriculum and projects? What would an education model look like if it was truly designed to prepare students for today's world?
Northern Cass School District may be just 700 learners in all of K-12, but this rural North Dakota district is redefining what education should look like.
A few years ago, Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner and his faculty set out to do the seemingly impossible: throw out the traditional K-12 education system and redesign a model that truly serves students and the community, all while getting student, parent and teacher buy-in.
The journey wasn't easy, but Northern Cass's personalized learning model is making waves with its student-led, choice-ready approach to education. In this episode, Cory takes us through that journey, covering topics you'll love to hear:

• The problem with the current K-12 education system
• Why our metrics for success measure the wrong things
• From college-ready to choice-ready
• Why student voice and choice matters in all aspects of curriculum and learning
• How to get faculty on board (and keep them from burning out)
• How to get parents on board
• Why proficiency-based learning is a better measurement for success

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. If K-12 education doesn't change, we'll lose a generation of learners: Education hasn't changed in 150 years, while every day the rest of the world is evolving. As Cory points out, disrupting the system is challenging and an ongoing journey, but it has incredible results in the form of engaged students, parents and faculty. Without this disruption, we're at risk of losing a generation of students.
2. Proficiency is a better metric than grades: The traditional model teaches to the test; it doesn't measure mastery of a skill or knowledge. Northern Cass's model uses a 1-2-3 scale to measure proficiency, so students can see where they started and how far they have to go to achieve mastery of that skill. This system creates flexibility, autonomy for the student, student voice and engagement, and prepares them for the real world that values mastery over grades.
3. Students need voice and choice, while teachers should be facilitators of learning: In a student-driven K-12 model, students are given choice over their curriculum, projects and schedule. Faculty help them understand state standards they need to meet, then facilitate the learning models that will best benefit each student. Students value the respect and choice they're given (meaning they're more engaged at school). And teachers see a more meaningful impact as their students discover their voice and passions.

Resources

• Learn more about Northern Cass's Strategy
• Watch Dr. Steiner's Ted Talk

Connect with Northern Cass School District:
Facebook | Twitter
Episode page: https://tec

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Ken Rusk started his first job as a ditch digger at 15 and turned that into a successful company: Rusk Industries. Decades of skilled labor, entrepreneurship and coaching have led Ken to share all his insights in his book Blue Collar Cash.

Blue collar jobs don't get the credit they deserve, and Ken is on a mission to change that. By pursuing a skilled trade, individuals can build their dream life while working for themselves.

We sat down with Ken to talk about the incredible opportunities available to those who pursue blue collar jobs, and how working with your hands and for yourself can lead to a life of peace, comfort and freedom.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. America is built on blue collar jobs: From the time you step out of bed until the time you get to work, you've already come across the work and products of 1,000 blue collar jobs. The work of skilled tradespeople is critical to our everyday lives, but we don't have enough people entering these fields to replace those retiring. Ken shares some insightful data on the economic impact, wages, and lifestyle of blue collar workers that may surprise you.
2. Blue collar jobs provide comfort, peace and freedom: Comfort, peace, freedom. In life, these are really the things we seek. The popular belief that students must pursue a four-year degree and work in an office to earn enough to live a life of comfort, peace and freedom is just not true. College isn't for everyone, and blue collar careers have the potential to give students more freedom, less debt, and a fulfilling hands-on career that brings the peace they're looking for. Parents, teachers and students will benefit from Ken's message around these three key elements.
3. Draw out the life you want, get specific, and then build a set of goals to get there: Ken has coached thousands of individuals in his life and company, and he's developed a system to help people vision the life they want and then build it. In this episode, you'll learn how to draw your dream life, get specific about the things you're after, and then discover a path that will help you build that life.

Resources

Learn more about Ken: https://www.kenrusk.com/

Love the insights you heard in this episode and want to dig deeper? Get a copy of Blue Collar Cash today: https://www.kenrusk.com/blue-collar-cash/

Build the Life of Your Dreams online course: This course will help you join their ranks by helping you define and build Comfort, Peace, and Freedom in your life. The Path is a great way to identify what you really want out of your life and to develop the skills to go achieve it. Plus, get a free copy of the book when you enroll in the course: https://www.kenrusk.com/the-path/

For every book purchase, Ken Rusk will donate a copy to a student in Junior Achievement to help the next generation discover the benefits of a blue collar career.

Connect with Ken on social media!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

FANUC is the global leader in robotics and CNC controls technology - and we sat down with FANUC America's President & CEO Mike Cicco at IMTS 2022 to dive into the latest trends in automation.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. AI and Digital Twins will have a huge impact on automation in the next few years: Like many industrial OEMs, FANUC is turning to software innovation to enhance its world-leading hardware offerings. Right now, R&D is focused on artificial intelligence and digital twins. AI enables companies to take technically challenging tasks - like bin picking miscellaneous objects or assembling parts with multiple moving pieces - and makes it easier to program a robot to do them. Digital twins enable engineers to build new automation lines and processes and fully test them in a digital environment before implementation.

2. Collaborative robots (like the FANUC CRX) are making industrial automation more accessible for small-to-midsize companies: Collaborative robots (cobots) are built to inherently work side-by-side with humans. But the real benefit, as Cicco shares with us, is how the CRX is designed for simple, lead-through programming. The implication for employers is huge: programming robots and machine tools for complex tasks (including high-mix, low-volume) has never been more accessible. Now, small-to-midsize companies can more easily and rapidly adopt and deploy advanced automation into their facilities.

3. Demand for automation has led FANUC to expand its physical space and training programs: Changes to supply chain, manufacturing moving back to the U.S., and the two points above have led to a rise in demand for automation technology. In response, FANUC has expanded its manufacturing capabilities at its American headquarters in Michigan, along with expansions in Mexico. The new physical space will increase their manufacturing capabilities, but will also increase capacity for training individuals in the workforce around these technologies.

Note for educators: FANUC's education programs have led the market for years (1,500 CERT schools and counting), but with demand for robotics and CNC programming skills on the rise, it's a good time for educators to consider how they can prepare their students for these career opportunities.

Resources

• Employers, to learn more about FANUC America robotics & CNC solutions, visit: https://www.fanucamerica.com/
• Educators, to learn more about FANUC's robotics & CNC education and training solutions, visit: https://www.fanucamerica.com/education
• You can access our first episode with Mike Cicco here: Episode #6: Why Schools Should Teach Industrial Robotics & Automation

Connect with FANUC America on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Ep

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.

What does the future of manufacturing look like? Just ask the U.S. CEO of the #1 automation provider in the world.

In this high-profile episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, joins us to discuss the latest innovations shaping global manufacturing. Siemens, a leader in automation and digital technologies, is driving advancements through digital twins, AI, and more. Barbara shares how these technologies are revolutionizing industries today—not tomorrow—and making manufacturing more accessible and efficient.

We also dive into "Glocal" innovation, where global tech is applied locally to help small and mid-sized manufacturers thrive. Barbara offers key insights on workforce challenges, including the gender gap and the importance of flexible work. Her leadership vision for the future is clear: a more connected, innovative, and inclusive manufacturing world.

Sneak peak into this episode:

• How Siemens is using digital twins and AI in manufacturing
• "Glocal" manufacturing: global innovation; local implementation
• Want to close the gender gap in manufacturing? Here's how.
• From “not executive material” to CEO: Barbara’s journey proves why leadership is about breaking the mold.
• If you want to work in tech, come to manufacturing. Discover why Microsoft, NVIDIA, Sony, Salesforce and other tech giants want to partner with manufacturing as the next big opportunity.

Quotable Moments:

"If you’ve got curiosity and initiative, the world is yours."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Digital twins and AI are transforming manufacturing today.
   Siemens’ digital twins allow manufacturers to simulate entire production lines, identify bottlenecks, and perfect processes—all before they’re built. Barbara highlights that this tech can prevent costly errors, like a battery manufacturer’s $1M mistake, by catching issues in the digital world first.
2. “Glocal” innovation is giving small manufacturers access to big technology.
   Barbara shares how Siemens is combining global-scale technologies like automation and AI with local implementation, empowering smaller manufacturers to compete on a new level. Through flexible models like automation-as-a-service and cloud-based platforms, they can adopt advanced tools without the heavy capital investment.
3. Closing the gender gap could solve the manufacturing talent shortage.
   Barbara believes attracting more women could fill the projected 3.8 million open manufacturing roles by 2033. Flexible work arrangements, such as asynchronous shifts enabled by Industry 4.0, could attract more women by making manufacturing careers fit their lives.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about Siemens USA, visit: www.siemens.com/

Listen to Barbara's podcast, Optimistic Outlook

Connect with Siemens Online:

LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook |

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn