Bridging the skills gap event

Charlotte, North Carolina – Okuma America Corp. hosted “A Day at Okuma America Corporation” for area high school students at its Partners in THINC technology center on December 16, 2014, in Charlotte North Carolina. This special event gave students the opportunity to learn more about CNC machining and technology and to speak with Okuma sales and technical professionals in the CNC manufacturing industry. 

Students learned about career opportunities as engineers, machine tool operators, programmers, and service professionals. They also toured the facility and were able to see several cutting demonstrations on state-of-the-art machine tools.

“Our industry now has a significant shortage of skilled people that can operate, program and service the needs of manufacturing. This translates to a significant increase in career opportunities. Okuma understands that the talent to fill those opportunities comes from strong STEM programs in our high schools. Therefore we feel it is important, as manufacturing professionals, to help students understand the education paths into manufacturing, as well as introducing them to the wide variety of career options,” said Denise Wilson, human resources manager.

The Okuma sponsored Royal Robotics Team from Piedmont Community Charter School attended and demonstrated their award-winning robot to the Okuma members. The Royal Robotics Team is a member of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and participates in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition.  

Okuma is hosting several student-related, educational, events during the upcoming year including a special event in October to celebrate Manufacturing Day. For more information on Okuma America Corp. and Partners in THINC visit www.okuma.com.

Source: Okuma America Corp.