Page 12 - Partnership BP_1310308

Advanced manufacturing as a “green” profession It is easy to bring sustainability into conversations about modern manufacturing. Unfor- tunately, the fact that manufacturing is a “green” industry is news to students. Discussing the “green” aspects of manufacturing may trigger school partnership projects, while highlighting this softer side of manufacturing. Discussion topics include: Waste Reduction: Emphasize to students that manufacturers approach waste reduction with a “lean production” approach. This approach reduces waste streams as well as total manufacturing costs. Facility recycling programs reuse materials and lower the burden on landfills. Energy Efficiency: Minimizing energy use as a way to reduce costs is a common practice for Florida manufacturers. Introducing students to the challenges of this task will increase their respect for manufacturing as well as connect technical careers to the greening pro- cess. Energy efficiency includes both the building envelope (insulation, shade, closures, etc.), and the inside where production equipment consumes a considerable amount of power. Both aspects are important to manufacturing facilities. Combined with recycling and other sustainability efforts, energy efficiency supports LEED building recognition for industry as it does for educational institutions. HCC Southshore Campus is LEED certified Advanced manufacturing as a helping profession Part of the paradigm shift needed to promote manufacturing/school partnerships in- cludes taking a closer look at manufacturing as a helping profession. Raising awareness that manufacturing is also a helping industry is particularly important when recruiting women and girls to advanced manufacturing careers. Discussing the fact that manufac- turing includes the development and production of health aids, bionics, medical and safe- ty devices and surgical robots, as well as many other products to help people lead safe, productive lives, is important to students focused on social responsibility. Highlight the fact that manufacturing companies continuously improve their products to make them saf- er, easier to use, less costly and more durable. Advanced manufacturing as a creative profession Creativity and artistic ability are other aspects of manufacturing that you can use when talking to students about the industry. Young people are full of fresh, new ideas and want to express them. Manufacturers can emphasize the many creative aspects of initial prod- uct design and development, production processes, and post-production packaging, marketing and sales. 12