We've run our share of articles and debates about the purported lack of skilled workers available in the manufacturing industry these days. We've also talked about whether America's education system is giving students the kind of teachings they need to learn technical skills. But how about the companies that are willing to step up and really do something about it?  read more »

The winning video in a recent competition about the "Future of Electronics Innovations" is an outstanding perspective on how the students of today are likely to be affected by the rapidly changing landscape in information gathering.  read more »

It was on this day in 2000 that Mattel unleashed Barbie for President on unsuspecting young girls, trying to help them "envision themselves as the future leaders of this country." Actually, Barbie first ran for president in the 1992 election, but her campaign wasn't nearly as successful. She's run in every election since 2000 (she announced her 2012 candidacy last month, and will be available in four different races by August), but running on a platform that includes opportunities for girls and educational excellence doesn't win her many political allies.  read more »

The knowledge is about to leave the building. Baby Boomers are preparing to retire, and there's a significant gap in the skill sets of those who have spent a lifetime on the job, and the young'ns preparing to fill those shoes.

That's not only what we've been hearing repeatedly throughout the control and automation field, but frankly, within just about every professional environment we come in contact with. I belong to a couple editing groups on LinkedIn, and the conversation was brought up again there this morning, though couched in slightly different terms:  read more »

There's no reason to consider going green as a gamble. As you'll see from this month's Control Design cover story, developing sustainable machines and production lines can improve your bottom line. Executive Editor Jim Montague explains how you can't lose. Also in the April issue: Flashback to 1999 to read a timeless explanation of accuracy definitions and measurements, as part of our 15th anniversary celebration; discover how to bring I/O outside of their former enclosures; and learn what one machine builder is doing to ensure its future generation of engineers through a cooperative education program.  read more »

I know that we struggle in North America to keep kids interested in engineering career paths--whether it's because they're lured by more money, more glamour, or even just an easier job. But I'm also sure that there are plenty of kids interested in how things work; who like to take things apart and put them back together again. Kids who just need a little encouragement to pursue what could end up being a very rewarding career.

It's interesting, then, to see the same conversations going on around the world, and seeing how other parts of the world are tackling the same issues.  read more »

It's National Robotics Week, with lots of events to join in all week around the country to celebrate robotics technology, educate the public about how robotics impacts society, advocate for increased R&D funding, and inspire students to pursue careers in robotics and other STEM-related fields.  read more »

To recruit and nurture the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers needed to educate the next generation of engineers and technical professionals, more than 115 organizations recently gathered at Google's Washington, D.C., offices to commit to measurable plans to recruit, train, hire, develop, and retain 100,000 STEM teachers in the next decade.  read more »

I'd evoke some lyrics about the man in the mirror, but I really don't want to be stuck on that song. Oh. Too late.

OK, but here's the point: We talk about the education system, and whether or not it's doing its job to get more kids developed for STEM careers. But what do we do to help get them there? Many are involved in FIRST programs, and that's great. But what else?  read more »

Just off the wire, as they used to say:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2012

President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness Launches STAY WITH IT Student Engineering Initiative  read more »