Skills for the future of automation

Creating a skilled workforce for the needs of automation today and in the future is vital for the competitive future of Illinois. That’s why IMEC recently partnered with ISA (International Society of Automation) to deliver a five day course for participants in Decatur, Illinois. The “Technician Training Boot Camp” offered an intensive, hands-on training environment focused on industrial measurement and control technologies. Watch the video to learn more!

Getting more women into STEM careers will require a partnership among parents, educational institutions, government, industry and organizations.

IMEC partners and talent management experts, AAIM-EA are introducing a new one day seminar to showcase the best and brightest training and organizational development programs.

AAIM strives to provide high quality, relevant training programs that can enhance both you and your business. The Learning Workshop will provide you the opportunity to not only participate and learn on four topics of your choice, but it will provide insight into what else AAIM has to offer in the Training/Organizational Development arena. The programs are interesting and engaging for employees at all levels.

Gretchen Clifton - Located in central Illinois, Gretchen has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing. She challenges her clients to enhance their knowledge and skills to continually improve their operations themselves. Gretchen provides management skills in auditing, quality, continual improvement, problem solving, coaching/training and manufacturing trouble shooting and she is experienced in implementing, auditing and certifying quality systems as well as mentoring project teams while finding problem resolutions.

On July 23rd, IMEC President David Boulay facilitated a panel discussion on innovative solutions for a demand-driven workforce that highlighted the future of workforce and the importance of building an employer-led system.

As part of the 1000 Jobs Campaign for Chicagoland manufacturers, the interactive event focused on digital manufacturing and the development of a highly-skilled workforce that will prepare employees for factories of the future. 

IMEC is proud to announce Andy Cave as the newest Regional Manager to the team.  Andy will have primary responsibility serving the north and northwestern Chicagoland region.

Jesus Dominguez, Technical Specialist - Based in Chicago, he brings bilingual skills (English and Spanish) and United State Marine Corps discipline to work in a high performance team helping companies implement actions to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Despite recent ticks downward in manufacturing growth numbers, the White House announced this month that more than 870,000 manufacturing jobs were added in the country since 2010; the largest growth rate since the 1980s.

It is estimated that anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 jobs are open in Chicagoland.  The cost of those open jobs to those businesses and the regional economy is significant. According to Career Builder a company loses, on average, $14,000 for every job that remains open for more than three months. Additional losses come in the form of low morale and product delays.

If local manufacturing is going to continue on a growth trajectory; the workforce gap needs to be addressed.

“Make Your Career Here” scheduled for April 30, 2015

Northern Illinois communities are jumping onboard with a new, spring launch of the MFG Day program for students and community members in the area. Twelve employers will provide tours to students from seven area schools including Dakota, Durand, Freeport, Orangeville, Pearl City, and Pecatonica.  Each school will tour two locations.