PRIME Schools: A Model of Success with Kia Motors

In manufacturing the alignment of educational programs with industry needs is more crucial than ever. Shelley Wooley, Director of Educational Programs at SME joined us at the most recent tuX, as she led a dynamic panel discussion on fostering collaboration to bridge the gap between education and the manufacturing industry. This session explored the successful partnership among the Georgia Department of Education; Thinc College and Career Academy, a SME PRIME School; and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, and their collaboration’s profound impact on workforce development.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Shelley Wooley: Director, Educational Programs, SME
• Dr. Barbara Wall: Deputy Superintendent, Georgia Department of Education
• Gerald Wyatt: CEO, Thinc College and Career Academy
• Marco Brown: Human Resources Manager, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

The SME Education Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, preparing, and supporting the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. One of its flagship initiatives, SME PRIME, stands as a custom manufacturing and engineering program for high school students in the United States.

What SME PRIME Offers:

• Equipment: State-of-the-art tools and technology for hands-on learning.
• Curriculum & Certifications: Industry-informed curriculum and certifications that ensure students are job-ready.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training for educators to stay current with industry trends.
• Extracurricular Activities: Programs that engage students beyond the classroom.
• Scholarships: Financial support to help students pursue further education.
• Sustainability Funding: Resources to ensure the longevity of the programs.

SME PRIME is dedicated to building robust manufacturing and engineering programs at high schools across the country. PRIME stands for Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education. These programs are informed by local manufacturers within the community and tailored to meet local industry needs. Currently, SME PRIME serves:

• 110 schools across 23 states
• 10,000 students annually

This initiative has seen remarkable success, with 91% of students graduating from PRIME® schools pursuing careers in manufacturing. The breakdown of their post-graduation paths includes:

• 33% attending 4-year universities for manufacturing engineering programs
• 22% enrolling in 2-year community college manufacturing engineering programs
• 28% opting for trade schools or apprenticeships
• 17% entering the workforce directly in manufacturing or engineering roles

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

Marco Brown, Human Resources Manager at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, shared his insights on the profound impact of the SME PRIME program on high school students. According to Brown, students who have gone through the SME PRIME program and are now sophomores and juniors are well-versed in lean manufacturing principles and advanced technology by the time they reach their senior year. This advanced preparation means that the day they graduate high school, they are already career-ready.

Brown emphasized that these students are prepared to step into a manufacturing environment with a solid understanding of what happens in such settings. From a business perspective, this is incredibly valuable. For Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, it means having a local pipeline of future workforce members who possess the necessary skill sets, the right mindset, and an understanding of how to be successful within the organization.

Busting Manufacturing Myths

Brown noted that the SME PRIME program plays a crucial role in combating misconceptions in manufacturing. By educating students on how advanced and technology-driven modern manufacturing is, and showcasing the excellent career opportunities available, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia has been able to significantly reduce these negative perceptions. This shift has been tremendously beneficial for the company.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia is extremely proud to partner with SME PRIME, specifically at Thinc Academy. Brown expressed his excitement about the future of this partnership and the continued positive impact it will have on both students and the industry.

Thinc College and Career Academy's Perspective

Gerald Wyatt, CEO of Thinc College and Career Academy, also shared his thoughts on the SME PRIME program. Thinc Academy is located near Kia's facility in LaGrange and is home to the PRIME program in Georgia. Wyatt expressed gratitude for being one of the 12 schools in Georgia selected to pilot and utilize this innovative process.

Wyatt highlighted the significant impact the SME PRIME program has on students. He stated that students are better equipped for opportunities within the industry, which will lead to long-term growth in their careers. The program not only prepares students for immediate job opportunities but also sets them on a path for sustained success in advanced manufacturing.

Preparing for the Future

The collaboration between industry and education is not just beneficial; it's essential for the development of a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of modern manufacturing. By building these bridges, we ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers, and industries gain the talented professionals they need to thrive. Join the discussion and be part of this transformative journey.

For more details on this topic check out the presentation recap from tuX 2024! Over 100 workforce development manufacturing professionals gathered at Pittsburgh, PA's tuXperience Workforce Development conference. tuX promotes overall best practices in training and workforce development, encourages the adoption of advanced technologies, and furthers the success of the U.S. Manufacturing industry.

We are always available to talk with you about ways to develop your workforce that can accommodate resource challenges. Our team can design a training program that delivers faster time to performance, improved quality and productivity, and increased employee satisfaction and retention. Contact Tooling U-SME at 866.706.8665 to learn more.