Cargo Business Newswire

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Community Colleges at forefront of U.S. manufacturing’s next generation

Community Colleges in the U.S. have long been in the shadow of their bigger, four-year brethren, however, the 1,167 two-year, post-secondary schools are part of President Barack Obama’s budget proposal to build up a stronger skilled training platform after a survey by the Manufacturing Institute showed two-thirds of manufacturing companies reported shortages of qualified workers.

Detroit-based Fitzpatrick Manufacturing Co. manufactures very precise parts for machines that are used in areas like aerospace, oil exploration and robotics.

Fitzpatrick is reportedly utilizing the nearby Macomb Community College to help train employees in using the specialized technologies used in its manufacturing processes. Fitzpatrick reportedly reimburses tuition and also has a classroom at its offices where instructors from Macomb can provide onsite instruction.

"You tell them what you need, pretty much in a couple days, they have an instructor," said Company President Kevin LaComb in an Associated Press story.

Community colleges have the ability to shift to private sector market demands quicker and are tending to be more entrepreneurial than larger four-year institutions, according to the A.P. report.

There are many teachers at the community college level who aren't “tenured professors but professionals plucked from changing fields,” according to the story.

For the full A.P. story: www.huffingtonpost.com