On the first day of the event, ODVA (www.odva.org) conducted training workshops on a variety of EtherNet/IP and CIP topics and I talked to one of the lead trainers from Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) the next day. I asked him if there were a lot of young engineers in the sessions? He said, “not really, most of us graybeards.” That statement led to a discussion on how do you get younger folks thinking about manufacturing as a career?
According to a recent article on the skills mismatch in U.S. manufacturing, Harry Holzer of Georgetown University says, “There are a chunk of employers who are on the margin when it comes to job creation. One factor is the quality of the skills of American workers that they see and indeed the quality of the education and workforce system in creating those skills.”
During this breakfast discussion, an engineer from ABB (www.abb.com) chimed in and said promoting manufacturing in college needs to be reignited. I agreed and mentioned simulation/VR training technology seems to be a natural avenue for automation companies to provide to colleges; entice kids with eye-grabbing technology with a link to manufacturing. Also, network security issues have provided more exposure for manufacturing—in a bad light—and its network vulnerability. While the network security issues show dated network systems in the power and water industries, the idea of rebuilding data networks with new infrastructure technology is an enticement to the younger generation, another avenue into a technology hotbed. One of the main characteristics of the Y generation is their inclination towards group participation--probably because of the "organizational" aspect to their social life growing up.
Anyway, as the ABB engineer stated in reference to Stuxnet: “every challenge comes with an opportunity.”
ODVA Conference
My first day at the ODVA conference includes technical sessions on topics relating to EtherNet/IP. On the docket are IPv4 to v6, optimization energy via a network, CIP safety on SERCOS and for EtherNet/IP, new cable and advances in fiber cabling systems for EtherNet/IP.
Thursday is the general session and annual members meeting, stay tuned for more information on that meeting.
