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

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2021-11-23
- Length: 25m
- Episode: 76
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-f7081b1f-7ce8-46b0-8aae-1925c09abc98

## Summary

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that combines CNC machining and robotics instruction with rigorous soft skills development to bridge the gap between outdated technical education and modern industry needs.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.

## Chapters

- [0:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=52) Introduction: Kathy Walker and eKAMI's Mission
- [3:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=191) eKAMI's Origin and Unconventional Training Model
- [9:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=550) The Skills Gap and Outdated Education Systems
- [11:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=675) Industry Collaboration and Curriculum Development
- [14:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=866) Rebranding Manufacturing and Youth Engagement
- [18:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=1082) The Critical Role of Soft Skills and Military Discipline
- [20:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-23-why-its-time-to-modernize-workforce-education-how-to-do-it-w-kathy-walker#t=1250) Scaling the Model and Success Stories

## Topics

- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (company)
- Gene Hoss Foundation (company)
- Morehead State University (company)
- FedEx (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Leading the New American Manufacturing Renaissance with Andrew Crowe](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-03-30-leading-the-new-american-manufacturing-renaissance-with-andrew-crowe) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-07-29-re-skilling-coal-miners-jibo-returns-perseverance-rover-heads-for-mars) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [159: How Career & Technical Education (CTE) is Impacting Smart Manufacturing with Kent Powell of Amatrol](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-10-31-159-how-career-technical-education-cte-is-impacting-smart-manufacturing-with-ken) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [151: Building AI and Automation into Technical College Curriculums with Richard Barnhouse, President of WCTC (Waukesha County Technical College)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-08-29-151-building-ai-and-automation-into-technical-college-curriculums-with-richard-b) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [210: Technical Education, Apprenticeships, and Addressing the Needs of Industry Today and in the Future with Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-11-05-210-technical-education-apprenticeships-and-addressing-the-needs-of-industry-tod) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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