Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Dr. Mark Rubeo, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Penn State about "Educating the Future Industrial Leaders".

Overview

Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. At Penn State University, the ACE (America's Cutting Edge) program, led by Mark Rubeo, addresses the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing. The program, designed pre-COVID by Tony Schmitz and his team, uses a hub and spoke model to provide training across the US. Rubeo, an assistant professor with a CNC machinist background, emphasizes the importance of manufacturing knowledge for mechanical designers. The ACE program aims to excite and educate future technicians and engineers, fostering a sense of accomplishment and high-tech skills in manufacturing.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

Scott welcomes listeners to the number one industrial-related podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.
The podcast is broadcasting on-site at Penn State University, specifically at the Baron campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Scott humorously mentions the OSHA hazard of cables and the presence of snacks and coffee in Mark's class.

Mark's Background and Role at Penn State

Mark introduces himself as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State Behrend.
He began his career as a CNC machinist, was laid off during the 2008 recession, and returned to school to earn a mechanical engineering degree.
Mark completed his graduate studies in precision manufacturing and measurement science in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He worked as a senior mechanical engineer in New Hampshire before returning to academia at Penn State Behrend in 2021.

The ACE Program and Its Origins

Mark explains the ACE program, which stands for America's Cutting Edge, designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing.
The program was conceptualized pre-COVID by his former PhD advisor, Tony Schmitz, and his graduate students.
A workshop at the NSF involved academia and industry professionals to identify the training needs in machining.
The ACE program was piloted in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has since expanded using a hub and spoke model.

Challenges and Goals of the ACE Program

The ACE program aims to interest and educate people in the manufacturing field, from technicians to engineers.
Scott emphasizes the importance of companies investing in training to address the shortage of skilled workers.
Mark suggests using the ACE program as a pre-apprenticeship to filter out those not interested in the field before investing in in-house apprenticeships.
The program is designed to be a week-long training to gauge interest and aptitude in the manufacturing field.

Importance of Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades

Scott and Mark discuss the decline of apprenticeship programs and the need to revive them to ensure future success in manufacturing.
Mark highlights the benefits of apprenticeships, including the transfer of knowledge and skills from experienced workers to the younger generation.
The federal government is recognizing the critical shortage of workers and investing in changing the narrative around manufacturing.
Manufacturing is presented as a high-tech field that offers fulfilling and well-paying careers.

Future of the ACE Program and Industry Collaboration

Mark outlines the goal of the ACE program to excite people about manufacturing and get them into the industry.
The program tracks outcomes and feedback to ensure it is effective in achieving its goals.
Mark emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration and support in expanding the ACE program.
The hub and spoke model allows for efficient training across the US, with Penn State Behrend serving as a central hub.

Mark's Role in Expanding the ACE Program

Mark is involved in training instructors and setting up ACE programs at other locations, such as Ohio State and LSU.
He collaborates with local industry to provide tours and real-world experiences for students.
The ACE program aims to highlight the high-tech nature of manufacturing and the camaraderie among professionals.
Mark's background and experience in both industry and academia lend credibility and expertise to the program.

Contact Information and Final Thoughts

Mark provides his contact information for those interested in the ACE program, including his email and LinkedIn profile.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Mark and other industry professionals to learn more about manufacturing careers.
The podcast concludes with a call to support programs like Penn State's ACE program to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.
Scott emphasizes the importance of storytelling in industry to inspire and attract new talent.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

DR. MARK RUBEO'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: mar349@psu.edu ACE Website: https://www.americascuttingedge.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrubeo/ Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/

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