Partnership addresses to recover SME PRIME schools manufacturing and engineering talent shortage
Michigan, businesses have joined forces to collaborate with the SME Education Foundation to make available educational opportunities for students of Starkweather Academy, part of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Plymouth, Michigan. Alpha USA, Clips and Clamps Industries, Link Engineering Company, Loc Performance Products, Inc., Master Automatic Inc., Roush Industries, Inc., and Skyway Precision Inc., have invested in the collaboration formed through SME’s Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) schools initiative.
Monica L. Merritt, Superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools said, “The launch of this partnership underscores our commitment to preparing students for future careers in manufacturing, an area which is currently experiencing a talent shortage.” “The support we’ve received from our business community and local leaders has been phenomenal, and we are all encouraged by the prospect of preparing our talented students to thrive in our local business communities”, she addressed.
Reasons behind the productive step
SME PRIME schools directly address the manufacturing and engineering talent shortage by partnering with industry to inform and provide modern equipment, a tailored curriculum, and hands-on training to high schools across the country. The national program provides students with practical experience, knowledge, and skills using state-of-the-art technology and equipment while allowing companies to support the career direction of youth through mentoring, internships, and job shadowing.
SME Education Foundation builds awareness of opportunity, enhance academic opportunity, and directly help students at every level, offering young people a path to explore, learn, and grow. Through its scholarships and unique SME PRIME Schools initiative, they foster and support student interest and achievement in advanced manufacturing.
Rob Luce, SME Education Foundation vice president said, “SME PRIME schools are central to our commitment to inspiring, preparing and supporting young people.” “We’re proud to now include Starkweather Academy students in the SME PRIME schools’ initiative as we continue to expand the program across the country,” he added.
Since 2011, SME PRIME schools have reached more than 50,000 students in 46 communities across 22 states. Last year, 84% of graduating SME PRIME students intended to pursue careers in manufacturing, and 60% of those students planned to pursue post-secondary education in a field directly related to manufacturing.
