Why It’s Time to Modernize Workforce Education (& How to Do It) w/ Kathy Walker

The Manufacturing Executive · 23 Nov 2021 · 25m · Episode 76

What this episode covers

Kathy Walker, Founder & CEO of the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), explains how her organization is upskilling displaced coal miners and rural residents for careers in advanced manufacturing in Eastern Kentucky. She details eKAMI’s unconventional, military-style training program that combines CNC machining and robotics instruction with rigorous soft skills development to bridge the gap between outdated technical education and modern industry needs. Walker emphasizes the importance of industry-driven curriculum, rebranding manufacturing to attract younger generations, and using local instructors who understand the community's culture to successfully transition workers into high-tech roles.

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early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies: eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Gene Hoss Foundation, Morehead State University, FedEx, Gorilla 76

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Why It’s Time to Modernize Workforce Education (& How to Do It) w/ Kathy Walker

What this episode covers

Most relevant to

Topics

Mentioned

Related episodes from other shows

Leading the New American Manufacturing Renaissance with Andrew Crowe

Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars

159: How Career & Technical Education (CTE) is Impacting Smart Manufacturing with Kent Powell of Amatrol

151: Building AI and Automation into Technical College Curriculums with Richard Barnhouse, President of WCTC (Waukesha County Technical College)

210: Technical Education, Apprenticeships, and Addressing the Needs of Industry Today and in the Future with Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College