Dr. Paul Lynch with Penn State METAL Program

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 practical skills.
• The boot camp format allows students to gain a sense of whether manufacturing is a career they want to pursue, providing them with valuable exposure.
• Scott highlights the need for companies to support programs like METAL to address their workforce needs and the broader industry's need for skilled workers.

Collaboration Between Industry and Academia

• Paul stresses the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in rebuilding the manufacturing workforce.
• He shares his experience of working closely with the Northwestern Pennsylvania American Foundry Society chapter to develop a positive message and provide job opportunities for students.
• The METAL program has led to increased collaboration between Penn State Erie and local manufacturers, resulting in more internships and apprenticeships.
• Paul mentions the success of biannual career fairs and smaller manufacturing events, which have helped bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Future Plans and Expansion

• Paul announces the upcoming opening of a new center for manufacturing competitiveness at Penn State Erie, with a focus on metal casting, forging, and machining.
• The new center will include state-of-the-art facilities, supported by financial resources from the METAL program.
• Scott expresses excitement about the new center and its potential to drive further innovation and collaboration in the manufacturing industry.
• Paul emphasizes the need for continued collaboration and support from both industry and academia to ensure the success of the new center and the METAL program.

Apprenticeship Programs and Industry Support

• Scott and Paul discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs in developing skilled workers and the challenges of reintroducing them in the education system.
• Paul explains that the METAL program works with various organizations, including IACME, Jobs for the Future, and the Keystone Development Partnership, to support apprenticeships.
• The program aims to provide students with practical training and mentorship, ensuring they develop the skills needed for manufacturing careers.
• Paul highlights the need for industry to support apprenticeship programs and provide opportunities for young workers to gain hands-on experience.

Passion and Purpose in Manufacturing

• Scott and Paul discuss the importance of passion and purpose in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for industry professionals to inspire the next generation.
• Paul shares his commitment to being a “doer” rather than just a talker, focusing on practical outcomes and positive messages.
• The METAL program aims to instill a sense of purpose and excitement in students, encouraging them to pursue careers in manufacturing.
• Scott emphasizes the need for industry to deliver on its promises and support programs like METAL to ensure long-term success.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude for the METAL program and its impact on the manufacturing industry.
• Paul provides his contact information for anyone interested in learning more about the METAL program or collaborating with Penn State Erie.
• Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Dr. Paul Lynch and explore the METAL program as a model for other universities.
• The podcast concludes with a call to action for industry professionals to support and inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders.