Lack of Cybersecurity Skills in Manufacturing Leads to Career Program, and Other Workforce Development News

‘Cybersecurity in Manufacturing’ Career Program

The Siemens Foundation has provided a $1.25 million grant for a comprehensive workforce development program for cybersecurity in manufacturing. The grant will fund the development and implementation of a highly skilled cybersecurity for manufacturing initiative as part of MxD’s workforce strategy known as MxD Learn.

While manufacturers need qualified workers to protect against cyber attacks, only two-thirds of respondents in a 2017 Global Information Security Workforce study said they lack the cybersecurity professionals needed.

MxD Learn’s comprehensive strategy will develop a clear taxonomy of cybersecurity for manufacturing jobs and skills, develop curriculum and training partnerships, and provide hands-on training through apprenticeships.

“MxD Learn directly supports our mission of igniting and sustaining today’s STEM workforce,” says David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “MxD Learn leverages the expertise and network of MxD to narrow the opportunity gap for young adults, particularly those from underserved or underrepresented populations. As employers look to build a more diverse, highly skilled cybersecurity workforce, this is a clear opportunity to help young people prepare for great jobs, regardless of their background or zip code.”

A portion of the grant will support a digital manufacturing laboratory at Waukegan High School, a Title 1 school in metro Chicago, where MxD has previously supported curriculum development.

In addition, MxD Learn will replicate the program at a second high school in Chicago, creating a template for further expansion. These programs represent the first steps toward scaling the high school curriculum program in more locations over the next few years.

MxD Learn will also forge connections among the high school programs, area apprenticeships, community colleges and industry partners, developing models that can be used by others in the field.

Center for Advanced Manufacturing Opens in New York

Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, hosted a grand opening ceremony for the $14.5 million Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills (CAMS) on Aug. 27. This 37,000-square-foot facility will allow the college to double enrollment from 144 to 288 students in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology A.O.S. degree program and meet an urgent workforce demand for skilled manufacturing employees in the region.

Hudson Valley’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program prepares graduates for careers as CNC machinists, toolmakers and industrial technicians, along with marketing, sales, procurement and supervisory jobs. It is the only community college training program of its kind within 125 miles and has a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates, with almost all students securing work prior to graduation.

The building's design provides corporate partners with access to offices and conference space adjacent to faculty offices, student classrooms and labs. Facilities will be available for corporate demonstration purposes, shared training activities, meetings and events that connect the college to its workforce partners.

The Hudson Valley Community College Foundation worked for more than two years to secure gifts toward the construction of CAMS, including a leadership challenge gift of $1 million from the Gene Haas Foundation, a longtime partner of Hudson Valley and provider of the equipment used in training its students; a $2.9 million grant through Empire State Development as part of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council awards; and $1.5 million in federal funding through the U.S. Federal Economic Development Administration, as well as numerous contributions from other local partners, alumni and friends.

“All of us at Hudson Valley Community College are so proud celebrate the grand opening of the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills today,” says Dr. Roger Ramsammy, president of Hudson Valley Community College. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the donors, public officials, and industry partners who have made this project possible. Their support and generosity in making CAMS a reality will allow our students to secure excellent jobs and the employers in our local manufacturing industry to fill their need for skilled workers. This is a perfect example of how the college and the community continue to work together to enrich our region’s economy.”

Mitsubishi Electric Takes Workforce Development Program to Houston Neighborhood

In collaboration with BenCheri’ Educational Center and Youth Building Success Enhancement of Houston, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. conducted a training and workforce development program for students in the Acres Homes community of Houston, Texas, from Aug. 26 – 30.

As part of the company’s workforce development program, Mitsubishi Electric Automation aims to bring its equipment to elementary schools, high schools, technical colleges and non-profit organizations, and provide skills in programming, service, maintenance and operations needed for tomorrow’s workforce.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation granted a CNC Specialist Certification to those who successfully completed the program, which was offered for free during the week of Aug. 26-30. The training program is specifically oriented toward teenagers, adults and previously incarcerated persons who encounter difficulties finding sustainable jobs.

Mitsubishi Electric and BenCheri’ hosted an awards ceremony on Aug. 30, to recognize the students who completed the certification training. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with other elected officials, including Texas State Representative Jarvis Johnson, attended to show their support.

“Workforce development is extremely important to us,” says Derrick Jordan, mechatronics engineering group manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. “The Specialist Certification provides each stud

ent with a new set of skills to compete and thrive in the Houston region.”

“Thanks to Mitsubishi Electric for investing in young people and providing highly specialized computer training. By developing new skills, the BenCheri’ students who successfully completed the program will have opportunities to become gainfully employed and provide for themselves and their families,” Mayor Sylvester Turner says. “Acres Homes is part of my Complete Communities Initiative. My mission is to boost workforce development, affordable housing and enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Houston.”