Researcher- Number of blizzards doubled in past 20 years
Study- College graduates will fuel futu...cturing - South Bend Tribune- Business
1. 6/8/2016 Study: College graduates will fuel future of Indiana's advanced manufacturing - South Bend Tribune: Business
http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/study-college-graduates-will-fuel-future-of-indiana-s-advanced/article_fea8362b-45dd-5d45-9509-1e24bd8c6dc5.html 1/3
Business Records
Business People
GOSHEN
Bankruptcies
Here is an explanation of terms used in bankru…
Bankruptcies
Here is an explanation of terms used in bankru…
Business Meetings
GRANGER
Bankruptcies
Here is an explanation of terms used in bankru…
Welcome! Login | Signup South Bend Tribune ND Insider In the Bend
Home News Business Sports Life Entertainment Subscribe ActivateAboutObitsClassifiedsMarketplace
Home News Business
Story Comments Image (2) Print Font Size:
Study: College graduates will fuel
future of Indiana's advanced
manufacturing
Posted: Wednesday, June 8, 2016 6:00 am
By Ted Booker South Bend Tribune
A recent study found that people looking for jobs in
Indiana’s advanced manufacturing industry now
commonly need at least a two-year associate degree, as
jobs are increasingly moving off the production floor.
A high school diploma no longer carries the weight it
once did in the field, which is relying less on blue-collar
production workers and more on college graduates with
technical training.
The study, “Advanced Manufacturing in the United
States: The Shift Toward Diversified Industries and an
Educated Workforce,” was conducted by the Center for
Business and Economic Research at Ball State
University on behalf of Conexus Indiana, a private-sector
initiative that promotes advanced manufacturing and
logistics. It is available at http://goo.gl/9Bh8oB.
The study found that Indiana college graduates will drive
the future growth of the advanced manufacturing sector.
Advanced manufacturing is commonly defined as the use
of innovative technology to improve products and
processes. In contrast to other manufacturers, advanced
manufacturers are those that consistently improve
production techniques with new technology.
While the study found that traditional blue-collar jobs in the industry are on the decline in Indiana and nationwide, the
numbers of white collar and STEM-related occupations are rising. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering
and math.
College graduates are leading the industry’s recent growth and will continue to do so, according to Michael Hicks,
director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. While automated technology continues to replace blue-
collar jobs, opportunities are growing for occupations that require a college education — such as architects,
engineers, designers and managers.
“We’re getting people moving off the floor. ... They’re watching displays, doing laser tests and quality-control
analysis,” Hicks said.
In Elkhart County, which depends heavily on manufacturing, companies have invested more on automated
equipment in recent years, said Chris Stager, vice president of retention and expansion for the Economic
Development Corp. of Elkhart County. Skilled workers with training are needed to operate automated machinery, but
they’re often difficult to find.
“People are buying advanced machinery, and the maintenance is more complex and requires advanced levels of
training. There are shortages in those fields, such as heavy electrical equipment,” Stager said.
Advanced manufacturing jobs account for about 53 percent of all manufacturing employment statewide, the study
Posted on Jun 8, 2016
by Ted Booker
FEATURED JOBS
06.06.16 Healthcare Administration
Certified Surgical Technologist
06.06.16 Healthcare
Sterile Processing Technician
06.06.16 Healthcare
Patient Accounts Representative
06.06.16 Healthcare
CNA
06.06.16 Healthcare
LPN
06.06.16 Healthcare
RN
06.06.16 Healthcare
Patient Account Representative -
Multiple Positions
06.05.16 Healthcare
Drivers
06.05.16 Transportation
RN - Multiple Positions
06.05.16 Healthcare
Previous Next
Joliet Junior College student Anthony Sims, a freshman studying
aerospace engineering, assembles a shutter-release remote for
his phone’s camera after printing the grip on a 3-D printer April 11
at the new JJC MakerLab in Joliet, Ill. A recent study found that
those looking for jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector
commonly need at least a two-year associate degree. AP
Photo/The Herald-News, ERIC GINNARD
