Technologists and engineers: Bridge the gap in education and practice to invigorate US manufacturing

摘要

A trip to Hershey, PA, in July evokes thoughts of chocolate sweets and roller coasters. For Fred Stolfi, mechatronics professor at Columbia University, and me, the two-day visit was a journey into the future of US automation, which may mean the future of domestic manufacturing. The Hershey Co's compelling vision is to empower its entire work force, from the plant operating floor to the engineering-design room. The company expects continuous personal growth, lifelong learning, and advancement for all. It is starting now at Hershey by enabling the company's maintenance personnel to evolve into technologists with a blended skill set through a certificate-driven, innovative, mechatronics-technology program.