Episode Details

Overview

Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions. In this episode, he interviews Dr. Paul Lynch, who oversees the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program at Penn State Erie. Dr. Lynch discusses the importance of manufacturing in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the METAL program's role in training the next generation of skilled workers. He emphasizes the need for hands-on training and collaboration between industry and academia to address the workforce shortage. The program aims to inspire interest in manufacturing careers and provide practical skills through boot camps and apprenticeships. Dr. Lynch also highlights the upcoming new center for manufacturing competitiveness at Penn State Erie.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to solving global problems.
• The podcast is broadcasting from Penn State Erie, focusing on the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program.
• Scott introduces Dr. Paul Lynch, the administrator of the METAL program, and expresses excitement about the program's impact and purpose.

Paul Lynch's Background and Career Journey

• Paul shares his experience of interviewing for a position in Erie, Pennsylvania, and reflects on the rich manufacturing history in the region.
• Paul grew up in the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, where his family worked in coal mines and on the railroad.
• He describes his father as a mechanic and his mother operating a beauty salon, emphasizing the hardworking and close-knit community in his hometown.
• Paul recounts his first job at Universal Arts Products, where he gained experience as a design engineer and regional production engineer.

Impact of Manufacturing on Communities

• Scott and Paul discuss the generational culture in manufacturing communities, where families have worked in the same companies for generations.
• Paul highlights the importance of manufacturing in driving the economy of small towns and the impact of local foundries and factories.
• Scott shares a story about Brad, who works at Erie Bronze, and the generational connection to manufacturing in his family.
• Paul emphasizes the economic engine of manufacturing in small towns and the importance of maintaining local manufacturing to support communities.

Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Manufacturing

• Scott discusses the challenges of reshoring and nearshoring manufacturing in the United States, including the need to develop a skilled workforce.
• Paul agrees, noting that the U.S. has given away valuable skills and infrastructure, making it difficult to bring manufacturing back.
• The METAL program aims to address this by generating interest and awareness in manufacturing careers, providing hands-on training, and connecting students with industry opportunities.
• Paul explains the boot camp aspect of the METAL program, where students gain practical experience in casting, forging, and heat treatment.

Importance of Hands-On Training

• Scott and Paul discuss the importance of hands-on training in manufacturing, comparing it to the transition in Cuba from old cars to new ones.
• Paul explains that the METAL program was developed to provide both online and hands-on training, emphasizing the latter as crucial for developing pract