RMI Techtonic Shift Initiative Mobilizes Manufacturing Talent and Resources for Advanced Manufacturing Needs
On May 3, 2018 at Martin’s West, over 500 visitors and exhibitors came together at RMI’s Techtonic Shift Matchmaking Expo to make connections with Maryland’s manufacturing industry leaders who were eager to find workforce talent and connect with public and private sector resources for manufacturers.
The goal of the event was to bring manufacturers who were seeking talent, job seekers, employee resources and manufacturing resources together all in the same room for a day-long networking opportunity. A key emphasis was placed on mobilizing STEM student attendance, the future workforce for Maryland’s advanced manufacturing companies. Exhibiting manufacturing companies posted their jobs opportunities to enhance matchmaking.
See featured job opportunities
Event Value to Exhibiting Manufacturers:
It’s not easy for manufacturers to take a day away from the workplace, but having all of these resources in one place was a great opportunity for both the manufacturers and the job seekers. That point was echoed repeatedly as we surveyed the manufacturing exhibitors like Holmatro’s Quality Control Manager Virginia Chilcoat in this short interview at her exhibit.
“We had a terrific day,” said Marc Berman, Production Manager with Phoenix Mecano, based in Frederick. “Met potential customers, suppliers, candidates for open jobs, and made connections to folks in government and education who could be allies in our search for some of those (Techtonic shift, Manufacturing 4.0) jobs that we need to fill,” he said.
Event Value to STEM student teams interested in manufacturing careers:
Jahaziah Benjamin was one of the student exhibitors from Bowie State University, whose team was showcasing their wildfire mitigation technology project. She found some great connections to help provide 3D printing for some of the electronic components for their project, they were invited to make a pitch on the Start-up Maryland bus and also connected with the Maryland Department of Environment where there may be some practical application opportunities. See her short interview at the event. Employee resource and training groups came from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) and non-profit employment and training groups.
To find out more on how you can help RMI connect manufacturers to help find the talent they need with students and job seekers, please see more about our Techtonic Shift initiative. Our future depends on it.