Clark State Community College will host a Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC) Educators Conference on Friday, March 16 at the Brinkman Educational Center in downtown Springfield.
HTEC conferences are a part of the Haas Commitment to Education. “In order to truly support our manufacturing educator community, we know there is infinite value in assembling regions to discuss what is working, where are there struggles and how have others overcome the same obstacles,” said Toni Neary, director of education, Haas Tower - Morris Group, Inc.
Neary said the format of the HTEC Educators Conference is one of sharing best practices and finding the newest technology and tools to grow, promote, enhance and update programs.
“The day is really focused on networking and building that connection between educators,” said Neary. “We want to share best practices that are working in regions regarding growing and developing machining programs, introduce national credentials like NIMS into Ohio programs, and we will also have an update from the Ohio Department of Education.”
Neary said the conference - now at capacity - was open to educators, administrators, industry and partners throughout the region. Schools from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia and partners from California will be in attendance.
“We see true power in bringing together industry and educators to work together to address the skilled labor shortage,” said Neary. “We struggle today to find the next workforce; without a talent pipeline our industry in Ohio suffers. This is a small component in working together to keep the conversation moving.”
Neary said the Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) Midwest is proud to provide HTEC conferences throughout Ohio to support educators and partner with colleges like Clark State as a way to showcase what programs are doing, the technology used and how they are running their programs.
“Since receiving a Department of Labor grant in 2014, Clark State has kept a laser-focus on training and manufacturing,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “This industry is the key to our region’s growth.”
Clark State went from training fewer than 20 students annually in 2013 to training nearly 300 students since the inception of the grant. Clark State will begin offering a four-year baccalaureate degree in Manufacturing Technology Management in the fall semester of 2018, following approval of all steps required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
The mission of the HTEC is to promote and advance manufacturing and productivity through excellence in manufacturing education. “The goal of the conference is to show our commitment to our educators and support their efforts,” said Neary.
A networking event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 15 in Clark State’s Shull Hall on the Springfield campus on Leffel Lane. Student work will be on display.
Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. Friday, March 16 for the HTEC Educational Conference at the Brinkman Educational Center, 100 South Limestone Street in downtown Springfield. The conference will include an instructor forum, industry panel and time with leading HTEC educational partners. Breakfast and lunch are provided.