Manufacturers Utilize Education to Motivate and Retain The Engineering Workforce.
News 2011-12-15
According to the National Science Foundation, Division of Science Resources Statistics, “The majority of individuals in the labor force with Science and Engineering degrees are in their most productive years, (from their late 30s through their early 50s), with the largest group ages 40-44.”
So what keeps these engineers inspired in the work force?
“Education and learning more software is one way to get engineers ready for work force opportunities,” said Susan Straley the President of Rentapen Inc.
As the engineering workforce changes, employers implement retention and training programs. For example, Rentapen Inc., located in Waukesha, Wisconsin recruits and trains engineering interns. Rentapen has also implemented an education reimbursement program to keep their current engineer’s skills updated and their workforce motivated.
One of Rentapen’s design engineers is expanding his knowledge and updating his skills. Curtis K. a CAD Drafter at Rentapen Inc. just finished his Solidworks course at WCTC on Thursday, December 15, 2011.
Curtis has worked for Rentapen for one year and already has furthered his education to keep current with Rentapen’s 3D design services for customers.
“It is very important for a machine design company such as, Rentapen to have their engineers trained in both Solidworks and Pro/Engineer because Rentapen’s customers don’t all use the same software for their machine designs,” said Straley.
Curtis has five years of experience in Pro/Engineer and is beginning to work with Solidworks.
“I felt I needed to take the class because when I start working with Solidworks it will be easier for me to understand the software,” said Curtis K.
Rentapen, a company that specializes in jig and weld fixture design, encourages its employees to take advantage of Rentapen’s education reimbursement programs. Since Rentapen’s design customers dictate what software they want their machine designs created on. It is vital for Rentapen’s design engineers to have education in both softwares.
By: Bethany Kratz, Duchess of Cost Reductions