If we want to fill all the skilled positions our workforce has open, it's going to take aligning business needs with educational programs at all levels.With experience at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Casey Sacks has seen best practices in creating this kind of alignment. In her current role as President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College, she emphasizes the need for collaboration between colleges, employers, and K-12 schools to ensure that students are aware of and prepared for the opportunities available in technical fields.In this episode, discover what true career pathways look like:Getting employers involved in technical programs - from hiring current students to teaching in the classroom (Aspiring Nurse Program and WV FAME)Offering dual-credit opportunities for high school students to get a head start on college (Win Academy)Bringing real career exposure down to the middle school levelHaving the courage to close programs that don't tie back to high-wage, high-demand careersQuotable Moments:"The elevator speech for an advanced manufacturing technician is a lot longer than the elevator speech for a nurse."Advice to her 15-year-old self: "Just keep saying yes to things."Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about BridgeValley Community & Technical CollegeThe Win Academy at BridgeValley - Offering nursing (and soon manufacturing) programs to high school studentsWest Virginia FAME - Creating a pipeline of skilled talent for manufacturingConnect with BridgeValley Community & Technical College:Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Twitter  |  InstagramEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/sacks/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What if we valued skills and competencies more than degrees? As President of Bismarck State College, Dr. Jensen sees education as an economic investment, where the skills a student has upon graduation are far more important than degrees and certifications.A competency-first approach to higher education requires disrupting the traditional model. In this episode, we talk about the components that drive competency-based education, including:How to incorporate credit for prior learningGiving industry partners the freedom to help create and deploy new programsBecoming a polytechnic institution that integrates technology with career-readinessHow BILT teams go far beyond the traditional industry advisory boardWhy education is an economic investment, not a public expenseQuotable Moments:"A college like Bismarck State is someplace where you will go, where people will believe in you before you're capable of believing in yourself.""Education is empowering. If you really want to look at preparing somebody for life, you need to empower them. It's not just about degrees, it's about skills, competencies, and knowledges.""A polytechnic institution starts to train individuals with hands-on real experience, working side-by-side with industry leaders in large flex spaces on projects that they will face in the real world."3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Employers are more interested in the skills and competencies of an individual than their degree: In today's skilled workforce, employers are less interested in "what's your degree in?" and more interested in "what skills do you have that can be put to work to benefit our organization?". The distinction is an important one for higher education. As you look to the future of your programs, consider how a competency-based education model will benefit your graduates and industry partners alike.BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Teams) bring real-world industry challenges to the classroom: BILT teams go beyond the advisory board. Learn about how industrial companies are bringing their challenges to the college, who then helps bring together the best cross-functional teams to devise a solution to that challenge.Education is an economic investment, not a public expense: Dr. Jensen has a unique perspective on the role of education in driving local economies forward. Hear about BSC's unit cost model, their approach to the ROI of programs, and how they've improved that ROI over the last few years.Resources:Bismarck State College: North Dakota's Polytechnic InstituteRead about the college's new polytechnic building expansionBusiness and Industry Leadership Teams (BILT)Connect with BSC:Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Twitter  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/jensen/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

While colleges across the U.S. are worried about declining enrollment, Lake Area Technical College in South Dakota is expanding.President Tiffany Sanderson sees the value in building a vision so big, so bold that other organizations can't help but want to get involved. And in a state like South Dakota that is seeing faster than average population growth, now is the time for expansion!In this episode, you'll discover how expanding an organization can energize the staff, customers, students and community partners. You'll learn what it takes to build enthusiasm around expansion projects, measure the right metrics, and attract key stakeholders to join the movement.Quotable Moments:"The number one way to get everybody excited about the future is to expand the organization.""My gift and my passion is about helping to grow people to do their very best work in the world.""There are tons of opportunities and not enough bodies to fill all those spots in the workforce."3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Population expansion in a region is both a challenge and an opportunity for the workforce: There is a mismatch in our world between the skills employers need (now and in the future) and the skills people currently have. In a growing population, this gap can become exacerbated without the educational support to align skills with workforce demand. Expansion necessitates an intentional plan to develop the workforce to sustain that growth.How do you measure success? Enrollment vs Graduation rates in education: Most colleges use enrollment rates as their measurement for success. Tiffany Sanderson sees it differently: the college measures success in terms of graduation rates. That makes a lot of sense in a world where the workforce doesn't benefit unless it's getting a stream of graduates with competent skills. Over the next 7 years, Lake Area Tech's goal is to increase graduate production by 20+%. That's the kind of metric that will get partners on board with an expansion project.Want to build excitement around your vision? Share stories: Strategic goals, impact studies, and data are fine...but nothing gets people fired up like personal success stories. Tiffany shares her secrets to getting industry partners, community partners and faculty on board with an expansion project, and a key part of that is sharing the stories of students being impacted by the college. Let the students share their perspective, and others will want to get involved.Resources mentioned in this episode:Visit Lake Area Technical College's websiteSee all the expansions taking place at Lake Area TechLearn more about the Build Dakota ScholarshipConnect with Lake Area Tech:Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  YouTubeView episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/sanderson/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Are you a budding entrepreneur with a great business idea? Have you always wanted to start a company in the tech space, but don't know where to start?Get great advice on launching your own tech company as you listen to our conversation with Amber Busuttil Mullen, partner at Bowen Tax Law. Amber has spent her career helping executives in their businesses and knows that tech is everywhere! From cosmetics to fabrics, ice cream to athletics, there's an application for every technology idea.So if you'd like to learn how to be a successful entrepreneur, listen to this episode to discover:What qualities make entrepreneurs successful in their business venturesHow to build a product that people will buyThe two things to do when first starting a company (creating an entity + opening a bank account) and how to do themFinding funding - from friends & family, angel investors, incubator programs and venture capitalUnderstanding stock and stock optionsHow to sell your company!Get ready to take notes, because this episode is packed with actionable ideas!3 Big Takeaways from this episode:You CAN do it! Have the courage to get started and resilience to keep going: Believe it or not, you don't have to have the next "it" technology to start a company. With the right product and business plan, you CAN be a successful entrepreneur! Amber breaks down the first steps you need to take to make your business a reality into simple, actionable tasks you can get started on today.There are tons of options to fund your startup - learn about the most popular options and what's right for you: You don't necessarily need to fund your startup alone. From friends & family, to teachers and mentors, angel investors, incubator programs and venture capital, there are a number of funding options you can choose from. Amber helps us understand each option in detail and will give you an idea of what the right path might be for your business.Start with the end in mind - selling your company: If you've got a great business idea - your goal should be to start, scale and eventually sell that business. Learn about what you'll need to implement in your business at the beginning to make selling the business easier later on. You'll also learn about stock and stock options and how these can attract new team members, scale the business and enable you to sell when the time is right.Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Bowen Tax Law: https://www.bowentaxlaw.com/Connect with AmberLinkedInView episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/amber/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Funding, filling programs, and finding partners in industry - these are three challenges facing technical colleges across the country. And a great solution to all these challenges: industry-sponsored programs.North Dakota State College of Science has an incredible Diesel Technology program that partners with the biggest brands in agricultural equipment like John Deere, Case, Komatsu and Caterpillar to offer hands-on, career-relevant learning on the latest equipment being used in the workforce today. Through this program, students are sponsored by a dealer to work through the courses on brand-specific equipment, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent that's experienced on the right technology for those dealerships.In this episode, we sat down with NDSCS president Dr. Rod Flanigan to dive into this program and how successful it's been.Discover the power of industry partnerships in building a technical program that benefits the college, learners and employers alike, and get advice for how to launch a similar program in your own institution!3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Industry-sponsored programs benefit students with career-relevant skills and experiences:The industry-sponsored diesel program benefits students by providing them with valuable hands-on experience, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and opportunities for professional development through internships and sponsorships, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in the field. They get access to the same equipment from the biggest brands they'll encounter in the workforce, and they get assistance from their sponsor while going through their education.Industry-sponsored programs benefit the college with funding, filling programs, and finding friends in industry: With these strong partnerships with industry, colleges can get access to the latest equipment, a pipeline of dedicated students, and the added benefit of having a reputation for career-relevant programming.Industry-sponsored programs benefit employers with a pipeline of skilled workers: When a student is required to be sponsored by a company in order to be admitted into a program, and when they're supported through the program financially and otherwise by that company, and when they're confident in finding employment upon completion of that program, there's a fostering of brand loyalty that just can't be beat. These companies will benefit by having a pipeline of skilled technicians who learned on their specific equipment and are work-ready to add value to the organization.Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about NDSCS's Diesel Technology ProgramLearn more about North Dakota State College of ScienceConnect with NDSCSFacebook | LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTubeView episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/flanigan/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Peter Rathmann is an advocate for neurodiversity in the manufacturing workforce. As CEO of Allis Manufacturing, he's built a culture that gives these individuals the tools for a successful career. As a father, he's seen his own daughter Emma, who has Asperger's Syndrome, find passion in a manufacturing job.Now, Peter joins us on the podcast to shed light on the great value these individuals can bring to the manufacturing workforce.If you're a manufacturer who can't find people to fill your open positions, you'll learn about a whole segment of our population that could be a perfect match for your company. If you're a parent or educator, you'll learn all about the career opportunities in manufacturing for neurodiverse individuals, and why this industry has an environment that could be a great match for them.In this episode, you'll learn:What is neurodiversity? Understanding a term that covers a wide spectrumThe misconceptions of autism and what you should know about itWhy neurodiverse individuals may be perfectly wired for manufacturing jobsHow to build a work culture and environment that sets these individuals up for successAdvice for educators to help raise awareness and pathways into manufacturing careers3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Neurodiverse individuals can bring unique strengths to the workplace: The characteristics manufacturing leaders say they want from their workforce (showing up every day, timeliness, paying attention to their work, efficiency, accuracy) are the same qualities that those with autism can bring to the table. Peter shares the success stories of his own neurodiverse daughter and employees and how their unique approach to the world makes them excellent manufacturing employees.Manufacturers must build a supportive work environment that values neurodiversity and creates space for growth and autonomy: There are certainly challenges to hiring neurodiverse individuals, and Peter shares insights into how to build a work environment that enables these people to succeed at their role. He also shares how to create support and awareness for the rest of your workforce and management to lead and work alongside these individuals.There are training programs and support organizations dedicated to helping neurodiverse individuals get the skills they need to work in manufacturing: Hear about The Uniquely Abled Project and the Uniquely Abled Academy at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), which is currently helping those with autism learn to become machinists. Listen to hear about a number of other organizations that provide services to neurodiverse individuals and their families, as well as employers, that help bring more people into successful employment.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about Allis Manufacturing, visit their websiteThe Uniquely Abled ProjectUniquely Abled Academy at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)Think Ability WisconsinMore links and resources on the show page: https://techedpodcast.com/rathmann/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What if your company had a digital library of every single drawing, from the newest designs to 100-year-old hand-drawn copies for parts still in use? What if this digital file system was powered by artificial intelligence and could read not just the text on each drawing, but could actually understand all the data (material types, revisions, even identify similar drawings)?That's exactly what Yushiro Kato and the team at CADDi have done with their groundbreaking software.This AI-enabled platform revolutionizes how manufacturing drawings are managed and accessed, offering a centralized, format-agnostic solution with advanced image-analysis algorithms, significantly reducing procurement costs for manufacturers.In this episode, you'll hear about the technology that's revolutionizing procurement in manufacturing, with special insights around the importance of digitizing institutional knowledge.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Digitization isn't just about storing data, it's about leveraging data:  Even if you were to digitize every drawing and centralize the storage location, it would still take procurement specialists hours to find the right drawings and the correct revision, and would require knowing the drawing ID. Digitizing assets is more than storing data in digital files. It's about being able to leverage that data to optimize processes. That's why CADDi's technology is truly an Industry 4.0 tool. Learn about the difference between storing and leveraging data, and consider how the latter could impact your organization.CADDi Manufacturing enables companies to source the best supplier for their parts: The application of this AI-enabled technology extends beyond your own company. Hear how CADDi has leveraged their own AI platform to build a network of OEMs and suppliers, connecting companies with the part-maker who can manufacture the part they need at the best possible price.Digitization can turn individual knowledge into company assets: Every manufacturer has employees that have been there for decades, knows every process, every part. What happens when they exit the workforce and take all that wisdom with them? Digitization can help capture the knowledge of these individuals and save it in a way that can be used by future generations of the workforce for years to come.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about CADDi Drawer, visit their websiteDiscover more insights on CADDi's blogConnect with CADDi:YouTube | LinkedIn  |  Connect with Yushiro on LinkedInView more on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/caddi/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

What does the future of disease research look like? How can artificial intelligence help researchers make new discoveries faster? How can medical professionals synthesize the vast amounts of patient data to offer the best, most personalized care possibleThese are some of the questions we explore with Dr. Julie Panepinto, who leads the National Institutes of Health's Division of Blood Diseases and ResourcesIn this episode, we dive deep in to the Science part of STEM to learn about the latest advances in medical research, how data analytics and AI are accelerating these efforts, and how education can inspire the next generation of medical researchersHear all about:What scientists around the country are researching in the areas of blood diseasesWhy medicine must maximize quantitative and qualitative data together to best serve patientsHow AI will impact clinician's ability to detect and diagnose - especially in medical imagingPredictive risk modeling and the future of precision healthcareThe human aspect of medicine, the importance of face-to-face care, and how data can help doctors develop more customized treatment plans for each individual3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Medical research needs quantitative and qualitative data to produce the best results: The healthcare industry has billions of quantitative datasets from millions of patients. Additionally, patient reported outcomes help turn qualitative information about the patient's personal experience into quantitative data. When healthcare providers have access to both quantitative and qualitative data, they can create personalized treatment plans for each individual, a practice called precision healthcare.Data analytics and artificial intelligence enable predictive risk modeling in medical research: All the data just mentioned can be used in predicting and preventing diseases in individuals based on their unique risk factors. Listen as we discuss the generation of algorithms for predictive healthcare, genomic and curative treatments, and why the quality and structure of the data matters when training AI models.The future of healthcare will be data-driven, but it will never lose the human factor: Expect tele-health visits, chatbots, AI helping clinicians detect and diagnose individuals, and automated health plans based on data-driven models. But also know that the face-to-face connection will always remain a key factor to healthcare; for nothing can replace the doctor-patient relationship.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about Dr. Panepinto, visit her pageLearn more about the research being done by the NIH Division of Blood Diseases and ResourcesConnect with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:Facebook |  YouTube | LinkedIn  |  XGet more resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/panepinto/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Higher education is facing an enrollment cliff. Or, as Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin puts it, a "consumption cliff." Not only are there fewer students for universities to recruit, there are also fewer students even considering enrolling in post-secondary education.In this episode, we discuss some of the ways private universities can hedge against these upcoming challenges. STEM education - when integrated into a traditional liberal arts model - can play a vital role in attracting students to a university.You'll learn:Why universities who don't embrace STEM may be closing their doors in the next 5 yearsHow to incorporate STEM without losing the liberal arts coreWhy tuition shouldn't stop families from considering a private university - and what universities should do to dispel these mythsHow higher education leaders can empower the innovators on their teams to discover ways to integrate STEM into strategic planningThe importance of "finding a third way"3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Liberal arts universities should integrate STEM fields into their programs: We shouldn't stop teaching liberal arts, but we should find ways to incorporate STEM concepts, practices and technologies into a liberal arts core to provide a well-rounded education and meet the demands of the job market. Hear how Augustana University is doing just this in their STEM Scholars program, through healthcare education and more.Offer the vitamins of education, not just the calories: To thrive in this new era of higher education, universities have to offer more than just four-year degree programs. Learners are looking for certificates, bootcamps, micro-credentials and other short-term programs that will support their lifelong learning efforts.STEM is everywhere; empower your staff to think outside the traditional academic box and innovate higher education: The STEM world moves quickly, and the strictures of academia don't always enable universities to pivot at the same pace. But university leaders can empower the entrepreneurial thinkers on their staff to embed STEM themes into existing programs. Hear how Augustana's music programs have done just this.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about Augustana University, visit their websiteRead The Great Upheaval: Higher Education's Past, Present, and Uncertain Future by Arthur Levine and Scott J. Van PeltLearn more about the STEM Scholars programSTEM + Music = Multimedia Entrepreneurship program at Augustana UniversityConnect with Augustana University:Facebook |  Instagram  | YouTube | LinkedIn  |  XMore notes, links on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/augustana/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Get ready to start your AI journey in manufacturing! We sat down with industry visionary Todd Wanek, CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, to get his best practices for developing an AI strategy.According to Wanek, businesses have 3-5 years to figure out AI, or get left behind.  Fortunately for us, Ashley Furniture - the world's largest furniture manufacturer with 35,000 employees globally - has already started their AI journey. Their efforts have resulted in a 20-30% improvement in product forecasting accuracy for their 23,000 global retail stores. And now you can learn from their example in this podcast episode.In this episode, we'll tell you:How AI will impact each business unit, from product forecasting and supply chain to creative services and accountingHow to know when to use existing AI platforms and when to build your ownA step-by-step system to get started with AI, from cleaning up your data to leveraging value stream mappingWhy you should have an AI champion in your organizationHow to identify and enable curious employees and give them space to experiment with AI3 Big Takeaways:AI doesn't replace the work; it's a tool to make processes more efficient optimized: Think of artificial intelligence as a lean tool - once you identify areas for improvement, these platforms can eliminate waste in your processes, freeing up your people to do more value-added work.Before you can implement AI tools, you need to prepare your data and your team: Before you launch that AI initiative, take these 4 steps to ensure your data and people are ready. (view full show page to get all the details).Curiosity is key to the implementation of AI: It's not always the data scientists or IT experts who will be your AI champions. Todd encourages leaders to look for the curious people. Identify those who are existed about AI and take the initiative to find the tools that can improve their own work - then harness their curiosity as you deploy AI in the organization. At the beginning, it's all about curiosity - reading, researching, experimenting and being okay with failure.Resources:If you're a Microsoft user, check out Microsoft CopilotPodcast: Moonshots with Peter Diamandis - "The Rise of Humanoid Robotics w/Brett Adock"Video: "Why the Tesla Bot Will Take Over in 2024!"Video (Tesla): "Optimus - Gen 2"Blog: Peter Diamondis - "Embrace AI or Face Extinction"Connect with Ashley Furniture online:Facebook | YouTube | LinkedInTHERE'S MORE! Access the full list of notes & resources on the official episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/wanek/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

How can we better serve students in a city like Milwaukee, where 50% of students attend mediocre or failing schools, and only 65% of students even graduate high school? This data isn't anomalous; urban regions across the U.S. are failing our students, creating systems lacking in hope and opportunity for our kids.One school in Milwaukee has found tremendous success by taking a holistic approach to K-12 education - one where the whole student is served, mind, body and soul.Abby Andrietsch, CEO of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, joins us to share the unique approaches at Aug Prep that have help students go from failing to 4.0; where graduates have earned over $21 million in scholarships in the 7 years the school has been open.Discover how Aug Prep has been ranked one of the top K-12 schools in the state for academic success with one of the highest satisfaction ratings for teachers, all while serving low-income students of color from across 43 zip codes in Milwaukee.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:A holistic approach to education serves the student's mind, body and soul: Aug Prep has built their model on four pillars: faith, family, academics and athletics/arts. Parents are involved in each student's educational journey; academic rigor starts at four years old; students are given opportunities in STEM, the arts and athletics; and faith is the final key to ensuring the entire student is served by the school.Believing in students' potential and setting high expectations can lead to remarkable achievements: You'll be amazed at the success stories Abby shares in the podcast. When students have teachers who believe in them, mentors who lead them, parents who are involved in their education, and a school who sets expectations high, it's incredible what students can accomplish.Exposing students to a variety of career pathways and providing authentic experiences can help them make informed decisions about their future: Aug Prep prides itself on helping students be future-ready. No matter their post-secondary pathway, the school provides 60+ pre-college program opportunities for exposure and exploration for a variety of careers. In an effort to ensure their students are ready for the future workforce, Aug Prep is also investing heavily in STEM and advanced manufacturing curriculum through partnerships with the MMAC and Bucyrus Foundation.Resources mentioned in this episode:Visit Aug Prep's websiteEpisode: Where Forward-Thinking Manufacturers Invest their Resources (featuring Austin Ramirez, CEO of Husco)Aug Prep Exceeds Expectations by Wisconsin Department of Public InstructionConnect with Aug Prep online:Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | InstagramInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Every student should have access to the educational opportunities they need to pursue the careers they're passionate about - and that means removing as many financial barriers as possible.When it comes to students attending technical and community colleges, often these financial barriers look much different than those faced by a traditional university student. And yet of the 1,500 applications the SME Education Foundation receives each year for their $1 million+ in scholarship funds, only 5% of applicants are community college students.In this episode, we're joined by Rob Luce, Vice President of the SME Education Foundation and Maria Fernanda, Founder of IOScholarships, to discuss the unique challenges that community college students face, and why scholarships can be a truly life-changing resource for these individuals.See the episode page for more notes & quick facts about our guests.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Community college students often face different financial barriers to education than traditional university students: If we compare the tuition cost alone, it's easy to see why university students benefit from scholarships to save on a tuition that could reach six figures over four years - while affordability is built into the community college model. However, generally speaking, the demographics of community college students are much different than university students: often these individuals are already employed, juggling full-time careers with continuing education. They're often raising families, financially supporting a household while also covering the cost of things like childcare.A debt-free education can make a life-changing difference: For a university student, a scholarship might be the difference between graduating with or without student debt. For a community college student, a scholarship might be the difference between them having to quit school altogether and being able to get a degree that will jumpstart a better career for themselves and their family. Hear Maria Fernanda share some inspiring stories of students she's interviewed on the IOScholarships Superheroes Podcast who have experienced the life-changing benefit of a scholarship.We need to change the misconceptions about who scholarships are for and increase awareness about opportunities for community college students: The SME Education Foundation is committed to increasing the number of diverse individuals applying for and receiving scholarships for engineering and manufacturing programs. IOScholarships exists to provide scholarship and internship resources for underrepresented individuals. Both of these organizations are spearheading the work we should all be part of - advocating for community college education and increasing awareness about the scholarships available for these programs.Resources:SME Education FoundationVisit the SME Education Foundation websiteClick here to learn about scholarship opportunities and apply onlineIOScholarshipsVisit the IOScholarships websiteListen to the IOScholarship Superheroes PodcastInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

The traditional K-12 education model in America - one that's remain unchanged for decades - no longer serves our students like it should. It's an inadequate system that needs to be disrupted, and superintendent Justin Wagner and his team at Woodbine Community School District decided to take action to change it.Hear how they built a new model centered around involved, relevant and personalized learning. One that focuses on student voice and choice and gets the parents involved. One that's seen tremendous success in student engagement as kids are finally being taught in a manner that best works for them.In this episode, you'll not only hear the story of how Woodbine School District created this new plan, but also discover how the model resulted in some incredible outcomes for students and the community.3 Big Takeaways:K-12 education must be personalized: K-12 education can't be a one-size-fits-all approach. The lack of personalization in our system is leaving behind those kids who learn in different ways. We need to reach students in the way they learn best, and then measure their learning accordingly. Hear how Woodbine and the Ignite Pathways program has given students voice and choice in how they learn while still being aligned to state standards.New metrics for success - student enrollment, academics, and behaviors: How do we know Woodbine's model works? The district has seen more students coming to the district , a rise in academic achievement, and a massive decrease in student behaviors. The moral of the story? When students' needs are met, they're more engaged in their learning, they stick and stay, and they actually understand the knowledge and can apply it in the real world.Ignite Pathways is a personalized approach to Career and Technical Education: Learn about Ignite Pathways, where middle school, high school and adult students can earn their core credits through career-relevant, personalized learning experiences in areas like agriculture, industrial maintenance, health sciences, & technology. From career exploration to skill-building, the Ignite Pathways approach is all about competency-based learning.Resources:Woodbine Community School District:Visit the WCSD websiteVisit the Ignite Pathways websiteOther episodes referenced:Wisconsin Adjutant General Paul KnappNorth Dakota Governor Doug BurgumNorthern Cass Superintendent Cory SteinerSaint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Joe GothardConnect with Ignite Pathways:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTubeFull notes on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/wagner/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

GrayMatter Robotics is revolutionizing industrial automation, powering their robots with artificial intelligence as we enter the age of the "digital worker."We sat down with Co-Founder and CEO Ariyan Kabir to hear just how innovative their approach to automation is.What makes them so unique? GrayMatter Robotics is a company that develops AI software for robots, focusing on surface finishing and treatment applications in manufacturing. These are some of the most difficult processes to automate, and yet they've successfully leveraged AI to automatically program the robots, resulting in increased throughput, consistent quality, and reduced consumables.But that's not all. In this episode, you'll hear all about:What is a "digital worker," and why robots can increase capacity in an industry plagued by talent shortagesAutomating with a pay-for-service modelHow to automate in a high-mix, high-variability environmentWhat is physics-informed AI?A surprising benefit to automation: sustainabilityWhat the future could look like with more applications for AI-powered robotsResources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about GrayMatter Robotics, visit: graymatter-robotics.comConnect with GrayMatter Robotics online:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  XView episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/graymatter/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Autonomous trucks, robotics and AI are revolutionizing the mining industry...and now engineering students of all disciplines are being prepared for these fascinating careers at South Dakota Mines!Dr. Jim Rankin, President of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (often called South Dakota Mines) discusses the institution's focus on STEM education and its impact on the mining and mineral industries. SDSMT is one of only five universities in the U.S. to have all three mineral industry disciplines: Geology and Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering and Management, and Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.Beyond mining, the school has a strong emphasis on all engineering disciplines, creating a cross-collaborative learning experience that prepares students for the real world. Hear how this top STEM school has partnered with industry and research collaboratives to give students truly cutting-edge learning experiences in fields that are evolving rapidly.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:South Dakota Mines is one of the top ROI STEM schools in America: What makes this engineering school so valuable for students? The deliberate focus on STEM education, where students can jump into their major on day one. Dr. Rankin recognizes the changing perceptions around higher education - especially those questioning whether the tuition cost is worth it - and has ensured SDSMT's students have a low-cost, high-return education that gives them the knowledge and skills to be successful engineers.Mining has major environmental and national security implications: The more technology evolves, the greater need for rare earth minerals that power things like next-gen batteries and semiconductors. The U.S. has identified 30+ of these minerals that we're sourcing internationally - but should we be mining them here? Dr. Rankin shows us the delicate balance between the environmental impact of mining and the national security issue of sourcing the material elsewhere.The Mining Hub pairs engineering students with industry to do cutting-edge research into Mining 4.0: Launched in partnership with organizations like Caterpillar, the Mining Hub is a multi-disciplinary research incubator doing work with autonomous mining vehicles, artificial intelligence and robotics to develop the latest innovations in the mining industry. This research is done alongside the Sanford Underground Research Facility.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about the South Dakota Mines, visit: www.sdsmt.eduVisit these links to learn more about:Cat® Labs MineStar™ ConsortiumThe Mining HubSanford Underground Research FacilityConnect with South Dakota Mines:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  XEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/rankin/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Skilled talent is in high demand - in every industry. Caliber Collision is facing the shortage in the automotive collision repair industry, where they estimate 30% of the market needs are being unmet due to a lack of technicians.Eddie Hightower leads Caliber's sustainability & social responsibility efforts, which includes the company's Technician Apprentice Program, designed to address the shortage of trained technicians in the industry.We sat down with Eddie to learn just what makes this program so successful that its enrollment has taken off in the few short years since its launch. Discover the keys to a successful workforce training program - including mentorship, company culture, and working alongside education.Plus, hear the newest advancements in the automotive industry that will impact the skills our nation's technicians will need in the coming years.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Initiatives like Caliber's Technician Apprentice Program lift the entire industry up: "What if I invest in training my people, and then they go work somewhere else?" We hear this all the time from companies who don't offer employee training. Caliber does just the opposite. They're not afraid to invest an entire year training individuals to become automotive technicians - even if that person leaves - because they understand the value of lifting up the entire industry. And what they find is that the positive impact the training program leaves on those individuals is more than enough to keep them working at Caliber after they complete the program.Automotive Technician is truly a STEAM career: Eddie calls them "the artisans of Caliber." There's an art to automotive collision repair that requires creativity, on top of the technical skills you'd normally think of. Companies like caliber need the artistic students just as much as the technical ones, which is why STEAM programs can be a great pathway for students to find a creative outlet and a career.The evolution of automotive technology will require technicians to continue training throughout their careers: College automotive programs and apprenticeship programs like Caliber's can do a great job launching the career of an individual, but the learning can't stop there. Eddie shares some of the ongoing developments in the automotive industry - like sensors, batteries and EV technology - that will require technicians to gain new skills throughout the course of their career.Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Caliber Technician Apprentice Program.Connect with Caliber online:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  XEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/hightower/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

It's the start of a new year, and that means...our annual predictions episode is here! Host Matt Kirchner shares the top 9 trends & technologies that will impact the world of technical education in 2024.How exactly will AI impact the way we teach, the way students learn, and how we do business in 2024? What will happen with the ever-growing shortage of skilled talent? How will the enrollment cliff affect higher education?  What's the latest-and-greatest advancements in tech that our nation's educators should know about?Listen for insights, action items and strategies you should be considering as you plan out your year.9 Predictions in this episode:Use the chapter markers to jump to any prediction to get the details:Prediction 1: EV in educationPrediction 2: Co-opetition between organizationsPrediction 3: Disruption in Higher EducationPrediction 4: AI Learning in SchoolsPrediction 5: Educators using AI in their jobsPrediction 6: Changes in Student Learning with AIPrediction 7: Precision Agriculture in EducationPrediction 8: Execution of Industrial Training ProgramsPrediction 9: Employer Recognition of Third-Party CredentialsListen to our prediction episodes from past years:2023 predictions for technical education2022 predictions for technical educationConnect with The TechEd Podcast and follow along with us all year long!LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  TikTokEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/2024Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Technical and community colleges not just degree factories; they're the solution to meeting the shifting demands of the workforce while creating economic and social mobility for individuals.In this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Dr. Lori Suddick, President of the College of Lake County, to dive into this important topic of education-industry alignment.CLC is positioned at the heart of the Midwestern manufacturing corridor, where large, globally integrated companies in manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, pharma, and high-tech have generated a huge demand for skilled talent in the region.Discover three of the strategies CLC has used to meet the needs of these industries - strategies you can deploy in your own region, too.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:The Advanced Technology Center is directly addressing the skilled talent shortage by training individuals with the high-tech skills needed by regional employers: Dr. Suddick recognized that the college did not have the capacity to provide the hands-on skills training her regional employers needed most. The Advanced Technology Center was as effort of the college to secure 182,000 sq ft of learning space to increase this capacity. Currently, the ATC offers industrial maintenance technology and welding & fabrication, with big plans to expand.SACA certifications are a sure-fire way to align curriculum to industry needs, since the standards were written by industry: In an effort to offer programming that teaches the most in-demand and relevant skills, CLC turned to the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. SACA's third-party certifications are designed and validated by industrial employers, so the college is sure their curriculum is aligned to what industry has defined as important.The new regional manufacturing alliance will pull together stakeholders from education, industry and workforce organizations to solve the region's workforce issues: Taking inspiration from similar alliances in the Midwest, this new regional manufacturing alliance being spearheaded by CLC will get everyone at the same table to create strategies and enact projects that solve their most pressing workforce challenges. This collaborative effort will benefit education, industry and most importantly, individuals and families within the community.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about the College of Lake County, visit: www.clcillinois.eduOther resources:Explore the Advanced Technology Center at CLCLearn about the UW-Stout Automation Leadership DegreeGet more information about NEWMAConnect with College of Lake County online:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/suddick/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a seventh-grade engineering camp can ignite a lifelong passion for STEM? Alyssa Sanders, Associate Director of Research and Development Engineering at Baxter, is living proof of just that.This week's episode is a fascinating discussion about the role of innovation in an engineering career. Managing a diverse, global team of engineers, Alyssa is an expert on innovation, product development and manufacturing, and highlights the importance of understanding market needs, meticulous research, and considering manufacturing capabilities in the R&D process.We also hear a new perspective on the very definition of innovation. Learn how engineers can do so much more than design the next big product to go to market, and discover the value of continuous improvement and never accepting things just as they are.3 Big Takeaways from this episode:Engineering skills are highly transferrable and can lead to a multitude of career experiences in vastly different industries: Students: your first job out of college isn't a life sentence. Especially for engineers, there's potential for you to apply those foundational skills to any number of careers and fields you may not even know about yet. As an example, Alyssa shares how her first job after earning a biomedical engineering degree was in the automotive industry. Keep learning, keep working with cross-collaborative teams and you can build a career of unlimited experiences.Innovation isn't just about creating the next big product on the market; innovation is about new ways to improve processes, systems, and products: While an R&D Engineering team does spend time designing new products, they also work to improve current product designs, improve manufacturing processes, and create more efficient systems - all with the goal of making a better experience for the end user. Innovation is about continuous improvement, looking at things with a fresh perspective and never accepting things as-is just because it's how they've always been.Engineering on a global scale is a fascinating challenge that crosses multiple disciplines of engineering, different cultures and different ways to think about product design: Working on a global team developing products for many different geographies and markets, Alyssa has learned the value of having a diverse R&D Engineering team. Hear interesting anecdotes from Alyssa and Matt about designing products for different cultures and how thinking through challenges like these are important for today's engineering students.Resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about Baxter, visit their website: www.baxter.comConnect with Baxter online:LinkedIn  |  X (Twitter)  |  Facebook  |  YouTubeEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/sandersInstagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We went in search of the most cutting-edge learning systems that every career and technical education program should have in their classrooms in 2024.The best place to find them? ACTE's annual CareerTech VISION conference, where technical educators from across the United States come to learn best practices and discover the latest innovations for delivering career-focused courses to their students.Out of the hundreds of technology companies featured at the conference, we found 7 that stood out, and we're sharing their newest technologies with you in this episode.7 top technologies for technical education in this episode:Transfr's VR systems for career exploration and skills trainingAmatrol's new 895 Smart Controls Troubleshooting systemMarsFarm's AI-backed greenhouses for data-driven ag learningLJ Create's lineup of electric vehicle training technologiesFANUC's new tools to quickly integrate a cobot with your CNC machinesCreaform's 3D scanners for limitless applications in engineering, design & artMINDS-i's new autonomous tractor for next-gen agri-tech programsResources mentioned in this episode:For information about any of the learning technologies mentioned in the episode, click the links in the section above.To learn more about the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), visit: www.acteonline.orgConnect with the ACTE online:LinkedIn  |  X (Twitter)  |  Facebook  |  InstagramEpisode page: https://techedpodcast.com/acte/Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn