A robotic arm display moves 3D-printed pieces into a stack during the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers' Coalition annual meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA – Community leaders, representatives and organization members gathered at the Tower Event and Conference Center for the annual Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition meeting on Tuesday. The audience enjoyed catering and refreshments while exploring the various equipment displays presented by AOMC interns and trainers.

AOMC Executive Director Dana Hermann presented the foundations of AOMC and its outreach programs and workforce initiatives.

“We are a regional workforce development organization focused on manufacturing and most importantly, building a sustainable, skilled workforce,” said Hermann. “It’s not uncommon that we talk to students today and they remember their grandpa coming home covered in dirt sledging a hammer all day … that’s not manufacturing today, it’s advanced, it’s robotic.”

Hermann said the AOMC extends into the classroom to introduce kids at an early age to workforce facilities in the modern age. During the meeting, guests had an opportunity to explore those manufacturing avenues with live robotic and 3D printing displays.

AOMC interns explained to guests at the meeting about the technology that shapes manufacturing in engineering and construction.

Ohio Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta, provided insight on the importance of manufacturing and a STEM educated workforce to build a stronger region.

“If we’re serious about preparing our students for meaningful, stable, and prosperous careers in manufacturing, then we must be equally serious about equipping them with STEM skills,” Ritter told the audience. “The future of manufacturing belongs to those who can think critically, solve complex problems and adapt to a rapidly evolving technological atmosphere.”

The event included a station with an interactive, virtual-reality welding tool that is used for training in the workforce. Welders could practice using advanced technology to learn how to perfect their craft or see if it is something they would want to pursue as a career.

Ritter discussed the new demands on workers with the incorporation of AI and automated systems. He said workers are now required to understand both physics and engineering as well as adapt to the capabilities of modern day technology within the workforce.

“In the 21st Century, manufacturing is no longer about doing things the cheapest way possible, it’s about doing things the smartest way, and smart manufacturing requires a workforce that can think and adapt,” he said.

Ritter said gaps in learning and development are not educational discrepancies but rather challenges with the introduction of newer technology. He said internships and apprenticeships are a great way for students to advance their experience before entering the workforce.

“There’s about 123,000 skilled workers retiring from the manufacturing workforce, and we have to find individuals to replace that,” said Hermann.

She said the region is filled with partners in workforce development such as Building Bridges 2 Careers, which are able to assist students with career direction and insight.

Hermann said AOMC brings the technology to the classrooms as a way to introduce students to job possibilities they might not know about.

“Students, especially females, are making decisions in fifth grade about what careers they’re going to be taking on,” she said. “If we’re meeting with juniors and seniors, we’re too late … we really make it a point that our programming starts in third grade and we try to get out to schools and expose students as young as third grade.”

Hermann said AOMC is focused on introducing students and youth to the manufacturing industry through various demonstrations and interactive displays. She said the AOMC also offers training for teachers wanting to engage in the AOMC programs in their classrooms.

“Collectively we have one goal, it’s a matter of sitting down at the table and working together to figure out a solution,” she said.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks and information from Ohio Manufacturer’s Association Director of Workforce Lauren Massie.

For more information about the AOMC visit www.aomanufacturers.org

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com