Manufacturers in Georgia share a common, and very real, concern: maintaining the flow of a workforce skilled in high-tech manufacturing. With that in mind, the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence (CIME) in Gainesville is assisting students in gaining a competitive edge by offering workforce development camps focused on advanced manufacturing.

CIME conducted interactive robotics and motor sports camps in December at their state-of-the art facilities on the campus of Lanier Technical College. The participating students from area high schools were chosen by graduation coaches to attend the camps.

Workforce development is one of the main goals for CIME. The center provides customized training for current industry employees using their advanced robotics equipment – but the center’s team is also looking to the future. For Georgia companies to stay competitive, a highly skilled workforce who can effectively utilize advanced equipment is crucial.

“We conducted the camps to show high school students the variety of jobs available in the advanced manufacturing and motor sports fields and to demonstrate the types of skills and education needed for these jobs,” explained Judy Parks, CIME director. “We want these students to be excited about high-tech manufacturing jobs and stay in school to get the skills and education needed to gain future employment in these fields.”

During the two-day interactive camps, fourteen high school students from Hall County and Gainesville City high schools participated in a variety of activities designed to let them experience real-world manufacturing and motor sports jobs/careers.

In the robotics camp participants learned, through hands-on activities, how industrial robots operate. They even used a robotic welding cell to produce parts.

For Eric Stephens, a senior at North Hall High school, the robotics camp was so different from his high school experience with robots. “We have some robots at school, but we must move them by joystick,” he said. “During the camp, we were able to make the robots move by using computers – it was very exciting.” With thoughts of a career in welding, the robotics camp helped him preview the opportunities available to him at Lanier Tech after graduation.

Pat Zaudtke, Related Vocational Instruction Coordinator (RVI) for North Hall High School was extremely impressed by the robotics camp and cannot wait to take students back. “I was most impressed by how the instructors and Judy coordinated with our students and made them a part of the process,” said Pat.

Michael Ramirez, a ninth grader, and J.C. Frazier an eleventh grader from Johnson High School are using the robotics camp as a springboard for more learning. “The robotics camp was very informative and detailed,” said Frazier. “It was a really good experience for me since I want to go into the technology field and possibly attend Lanier Tech.”

Michael Ramierz said, “If it has to do with technology I’m there. We were able to weld an airplane and make name plates with the robots. I was amazed at how fast the robots moved to accomplish the commands.”

Regina Sailors, RVI coordinator for Johnson High School was extremely proud her students took time from their winter break to participate in something that will impact their futures. “The students realized the skills they have learned in high school can be applied in the real world,” said Regina. “She said they want to know when the next camps will be held.”

In the motor sports camp the students learned what it takes to run a high-tech racing program, which included spending one day in hands-on pit crew training. Students also learned about the engines that power racing vehicles.

Seniors Saul Sanchez and Freddy Sanchez of North Hall High school, both with an interest in cars, described the motor sports camp as “pretty awesome.” For Saul it is the “inside” or the engine that interests him most saying, “The camp was good for me because I grew up repairing cars, and I would like to take classes at Lanier Tech one day.” Freddy likes to work on the outside and has an interest in the fabrication of cars. He said, “I would like to put cars together or put them back together.” He also hopes to take classes at Lanier Tech after graduation.

In addition to the hands-on activities during the camps, a Lunch and Learn series provided an opportunity for local manufacturers, including Caterpillar, ZF Industries and Indalex, to speak to the students about advanced manufacturing opportunities available in their companies and emphasize the importance of staying in school to prepare for these jobs.

“Networking is not an easy task,” said Jennifer Rudeseal, Graduation Coach for North Hall High School. “Our students were able to network, get business cards and gain valuable real-world experience.”

CIME held the robotics and motor sports camps as a pilot and hopes to implement the camps in other schools throughout the state in the future. In April, CIME will conduct additional camps focusing on middle school students.

“The high school students who participated in the winter camps took advantage of learning how to gain the competitive edge in the workforce,” said Judy. “We hope to encourage more students to gain the skills needed to make Georgia a magnet for manufacturing.”