b'vocational programs will not createculture without the pressures ofsonnel. The business sector must craftspeople prepared to add valueproduction. When they becomeprovide guidance and leadership unless industry provides opportuni- full-time employeeswe haveto people in education and gov-ties for students to learn. a 100% retention ratethey areernment to build strong vocational Apprenticeships,co-oppro- often more productive than peo- programs. Industry, not the educa-grams and internships developedple new to our culture and meth- tional system, needs to be on the with vocational schools are the mostods. We pay the tuition, and internsfront lines generating interest and effective, efficient ways to train fu- frequently receive academic creditdrawing young people into trades. ture employees. At Mitsubishi Hit- for time spent at our shop. InternsManufacturers should work with ed-achi Power Systems Americas Inc.,are also our best recruiters becauseucators to create effective curricula we have been extremely success- they connect us to other studentsand should open shops to students ful with our internship program. Weand craftspeople who fit well withso they can get real-life training. To work with local vocational schoolsour culture. succeed, we in industry must lead to recruit welding and machiningIndustry-led training and voca- students, educators and govern-students as interns. tional programs are the only via- ment representatives through our While completing academic re- ble solution to the shortage of per- direct involvement.CTEquirements, interns are assigned to work with our most skilled crafts-people. Interns study theory andabout the author get the opportunity to apply whatChristopher Tate is engineering manager of advanced they learn. Benefits are numerous.manufacturing engineering and machining at the Savannah, Students are paid to experienceGeorgia, facility of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Ameri-arealproductionenvironment.cas Inc., Lake Mary, Florida. Contact him at chris23tate@They learn company methods andgmail.com. 100 YearAnniversary SPECIAL SALESince 1919, Palmgren has theFREIGHT PREPAIDreputation of offering the best multi-function metal working and positioning productsthat deliver exceptional quality and money saving solutions. Palmgren offers you more choices and more value than any other source. TAKE ADVANTAGEOF THISANNIVERSARYSPECIAL* #9682123 $ 7,550*WhileFREIGHT PREPAID supplies last.ctemag.com/cteguide.com51Workforce.indd 51 4/16/20 6:09 PM'