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So far Amanda Towner has created 185 blog entries.

Delaware Innovates to Build Strong Talent Pipeline

High school students in Delaware are getting a jump start on careers in growing fields including health care, hospitality, advanced manufacturing and biomedical science. The Delaware Pathways program is part of the national Pathways to Prosperity Network aimed at preparing students for a secondary education and careers in high-demand fields. Delaware Pathways was created to help fulfill the Delaware Promise: By 2025, 65 percent of Delaware's workforce will have a two- or four-year degrees or professional certificates to match the percentage of Delaware jobs that require them. In Delaware, because employers need middle- and high-skill employees, academic degrees and industry certificates are given equal weight. The program is quickly expanding, in part due to a $2 million, three-year grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a $3.25 million, three-year grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. "Pathways is allowing students to explore career paths that heretofore they may have never thought about or considered," said Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, the nonprofit that leads the state's economic development effort. “We know that there is demand for these positions. By giving high school students the training in these fields, Delaware is positioning the students and the state for success. [...]

By | 2019-10-22T21:31:40+00:00 October 22nd, 2019|
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VirTra Launches Driving Simulators for US Law Enforcement

VirTra Inc. will be introducing driving simulators specifically designed for U.S. Law Enforcement at the IACP Conference in Chicago, Illinois. These simulators have been specifically designed to fit the unique needs of U.S. Law Enforcement. The hig- definition environments and decision-making objectives ensure that the focus of training is on the driver’s cognitive learning and decision-making rather than just the operation of a vehicle. The V-DTS combines patented technology with pre-authored or customizable scenarios and Test Facility Tracks designed by internal experts to teach defensive and emergency driving. Instructors can control a trainee’s location, objective, and whether to participate in free drive or work on specific defensive techniques. The graphics utilize technology similar to that in the latest video games, and vibration and an optional motion platform immerses trainees in the experience. The simulated vehicle, as well as all other virtual vehicles, obey the laws of physics so that the weight distribution of vehicles when stopping looks and feels realistic. VirTra has also include real-world hazards such as dust storms, rain, and sun glare. The V-DTS includes multiple screens that help create a 360-degree experience and an on-screen compass which increases trainees’ cognitive skills by helping them learn to monitor [...]

By | 2019-10-18T19:15:39+00:00 October 18th, 2019|
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Varjo Announces Two New Human-Eye Resolution HMDs

Varjo Technologies has doubled its product line offerings with two new state-of-the-art VR headsets – the VR-2 and the VR-2 Pro. These two new products (in addition to the VR-1 and XR-1) are part of Varjo’s ‘Resolution Revolution’, a product line committed to delivering human eye-resolution (over 60 PPD) and fidelity to the professional market. Both the VR-2 and the higher-end VR-2 Pro include support for SteamVR content as well as support for the OpenVR development platform from Valve at ultra-high resolutions (up to 40 PPD/4K rendering per eye) so professional users can quickly and easily access a full range of applications for research, analytics, training and simulation, industrial design, and more. Through Varjo’s visual fidelity, these software tools are now ‘turbo-charged’ for the rigors of the professional market, delivering clarity of 3D models and simulations. The VR-2 Pro also comes with integrated Ultraleap hand tracking technology, which enables more intuitive interactions with high-fidelity VR content. This is especially impactful for simulation professionals who interact with physical controllers and switches as part of their VR training. Building on Varjo’s 20/20 Eye Tracker technology, the new products offer even faster and more accurate calibration performance, giving professionals access to precise eye [...]

By | 2019-10-15T19:26:43+00:00 October 15th, 2019|
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CM Labs Hosts Webinar on Reducing Safety Risks

CM Labs Simulations is hosting a webinar on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 10 a.m. EST to show how simulation-based tools are helping to reduce the safety risks associated with operator training, while at the same time lowering training costs by up to 75 percent. The webinar will be presented by Drew Carruthers, director, Training Solutions, CM Labs Simulations, and the topics include simulation technology, work site safety, and operational productivity. Attendees can learn how to improve training safety and efficiency, use simulation to monitor and measure operator skill sets, estimate the benefits and ROI of simulation-based operational approaches, and how new Smart Training Technology can help develop skills that transfer directly to the work site.  

By | 2019-10-08T13:33:12+00:00 October 8th, 2019|
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Miller Fabrication Solutions Inspires New Generation of Manufacturers

Miller Fabrication Solutions will offer free plant tours to the general public as part of its involvement in the national Manufacturing Day celebration on Friday, October 4. Tours will run every 30 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT at its two Brookville, Pennsylvania locations, Sandy Lick and Maplevale. Guests will be able to watch demonstrations of the fabrication of large metal parts, including robotic and manual welding, machining, painting, and mechanical assembly services. The company’s latest equipment additions, a pair of DMG Mori’s CMX 1100 V machines, will also be on display. The Manufacturing Day activities at Miller will include a job fair for recent and future graduates and skilled workers, as well as an Oculus Virtual Reality (VR) simulation of Miller’s Sandy Lick headquarters. Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Started in 2012 and sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers, the celebration invites members of the community across the country — including students, educators, business people, media, and politicians — to manufacturing facilities in a collective effort to educate visitors about manufacturing career opportunities and improve public awareness of the profession.    

By | 2019-09-30T17:27:27+00:00 September 30th, 2019|
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CNC Machines Annual Skills-Gap Scholarship Now Open

CNC Machines is accepting applications for a $2500 scholarship for students pursuing a certification, certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related area of study. The company introduced the CNC Machines Manufacturing Scholarship program in 2018 and awarded its first round of scholarships earlier this year. The amount of the award has increased to from $2,000 to $2,500 since then. Over the past several years, the manufacturing sector has been on a growth track leading to creation of more and more jobs. Yet according to a 2018 report from Deloitte, the lack of qualified talent could cause the U.S. to lose as much as $454 billion in GDP by 2028. In fact, that same research shows that in the United States, more than 500,000 manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled. “As American manufacturing continues its resurgence, the focus now needs to turn to aggressively addressing the looming and potentially devastating skills gap. CNC Machines is committed to doing its part and this scholarship, along with other programs we offer, is our way of stepping up to the plate to help the industry grow,” said Curt Doherty, CEO. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must submit a 1000-1300-word essay via CNC [...]

By | 2019-09-27T13:47:28+00:00 September 25th, 2019|
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Serious Labs Awarded for Safety Innovation

At the recent Access Lift and Handler (ALH) Conference and Awards, Serious Labs’ new ESP Scoring software feature won the Access Safety Award for enhancing the safety of the industry. A new feature of the Serious Labs MEWP VR Operator Training Simulator, ESP Scoring is a scoring system designed to translate standardized training metrics into practical terms to better communicate the value of simulator training. “Being able to track a trainee’s behavior regarding control selection, positioning, precision, and reaction is unlike anything we’ve seen in the industry. Amazing technology and a real advance,” said the industry judges. Serious Labs’ ESP Scoring uses objective machine observation of a trainee’s behaviors to provide a detailed assessment in terms of Efficiency, Safety, and Proficiency (ESP) — three factors which work together to determine productivity and the health of a jobsite. By understanding how errors and failure to observe best practices can impact the equipment, jobsite, or the safety of others, trainees gain contextual insight into how to improve. At the same time, trainers are better informed when it comes to clearing operators for the jobsite and can better recommend additional training to improve areas that lack knowledge or consistency. VR simulators offer the [...]

By | 2019-09-24T20:03:42+00:00 September 24th, 2019|
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Emerson Partners with San Jacinto College

Emerson has helped design, equip and provide training tools for San Jacinto College’s new Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology (CPET), designed to empower students of all levels with the skills and training needed to support careers in petrochemical and refining industries. The new, 151,000-square-foot complex is the largest petrochemical training facility along the Texas Gulf Coast. The industry estimates it will need to replace as many as 40 percent of its current workers due to retirements over the next decade, according to the Texas Gulf Coast Community College Petrochemical Initiative. The CPET expands the college’s capabilities to develop and train for petrochemical manufacturing areas where a more skilled workforce is needed to operate in an environment that is transforming from reactive to technology-focused predictive and prescriptive approaches. San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 students each semester and is a training hub to the largest petrochemical manufacturing complex in the United States, and second largest in the world (with 90 industries and 130 plants). The CPET is supported and equipped by Emerson and local Impact Partner Puffer-Sweiven and features an 8,000-square-foot exterior glycol process unit to develop troubleshooting skills for students and incumbent workers. Additional features include a control room [...]

By | 2019-09-23T16:08:47+00:00 September 23rd, 2019|
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Omexom Enhances Processes with SightCall Visual Assistance

SightCall and Omexom are collaborating to enhance field operations and worksite safety with (Augmented Reality) AR-powered video calls. Omexom has now implemented SightCall across a variety of business units including software, nuclear power plants, hydro dams and electrical substations. “SightCall has enabled us to realize new efficiencies and digitally transform processes that previously required manual solutions,” stated Arnaud Banner, Technical and Innovation director, at Omexom. “The ability to see and diagnose remote issues allows us to leverage data that informs valuable processes including training, quality inspection, support and investigation. This ultimately leads to a better work environment for employees and higher service availability for customers.” SightCall is a video cloud platform for enterprises that empowers technicians, customers and contractors to receive remote visual guidance by connecting them to an expert through their mobile device, tablet or wearable. Once connected, the expert can visually identify the issue, take documentation and provide guidance using SightCall’s AR-powered toolset. Omexom has deployed SightCall to assist their employees in a variety of use cases including  quality assurance and site safety reviews, remote diagnostics and guided fix, and site commissioning and inspection.  

By | 2019-09-20T16:48:12+00:00 September 20th, 2019|
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College to Host Skilled Trades Expo

West Michigan students, parents, teachers and employers are invited to attend a Skilled Trades Expo on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Texas Township Campus. The event is free and open to the public between 4-7 p.m. A sizable professional trades shortage exists in Michigan and is expected to continue through 2024. Professional trades will account for more than 500,000 jobs in the Michigan economy, and approximately 15,000 new job openings are expected annually in the state between now and then, according to the Going Pro In Michigan website. Kalamazoo Valley is preparing students for jobs in fields that include automotive technology, electrical technology, HVAC technology, engineering/design/manufacturing technology, welding technology, and chemical technology. “We celebrate National Advanced Manufacturing Week every day at the college,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Services Dr. Peter Linden. “Our graduates are receiving multiple offers before graduation. Our biggest challenge is providing enough trained workers for the regional labor market demand. While many students will continue their education pursing a four-year degree, most are happy to get the training they need and to move quickly into a career, without a lot of college debt.” Today’s skilled trades offer an [...]

By | 2019-09-19T17:02:14+00:00 September 19th, 2019|
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