Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Victor Okhuysen, Professor with Cal Poly Pomona about "Strengthening the future of manufacturing".

Overview

Scott Mackenzie from Industrial Talk discusses the importance of training the next generation of industrial leaders with Victor Okhuysen from Cal Poly Pomona. The Penn State Erie campus hosts the METAL program, which aims to inspire and educate students in metallurgy and manufacturing. Victor, a principal investigator, highlights the program's hands-on approach, including boot camps and workshops, to expose students to potential careers. The program has conducted four boot camps and ten workshops, using a system called Foundry in a Box. Victor emphasizes the need for skilled workers in an increasingly automated industry and the role of community colleges in providing relevant training.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast and IRISS Technologies

Scott Mackenzie introduces himself and the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
Scott highlights IRISS Technologies, a global leader in electrical maintenance safety, and their patented infrared and ultrasonic inspection windows.
IRISS Technologies' solutions help in detecting issues early, boosting reliability, and protecting workers from unplanned failures.
Scott encourages listeners to learn more about IRISS Technologies at their website.

Introduction to the METAL Program and Victor Okhuysen

Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
Scott introduces the METAL program at Penn State Erie, an acronym for Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship Learning.
Victor Okhuysen from Cal Poly Pomona is introduced as a key figure in the METAL program, focusing on exchanging ideas to improve curriculum and delivery.
Victor explains his role as a principal investigator at Cal Poly Pomona, working on a curriculum developed by Penn State.

Discussion on the Importance of Training the Next Generation

Scott and Victor discuss the critical need for training the next generation of industrial leaders.
Victor emphasizes the importance of having a trained workforce despite advancements in automation.
Scott shares his personal experience of being inspired by educational films about manufacturing during his childhood.
Victor explains the current state of manufacturing, noting the increase in automation and efficiency, and the need for skilled workers.

Victor's Background and the METAL Program at Cal Poly Pomona

Victor provides a brief overview of his background, including his role as a professor at Cal Poly Pomona and his expertise in metal casting and manufacturing.
Scott praises the quality of instructors in the METAL program, noting their extensive experience and passion for their fields.
Victor explains the purpose of the METAL program, which is to expose students to potential careers in metallurgy and related fields.
The program includes boot camps and workshops, using a system called Foundry in a Box to engage students in hands-on activities.

Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing Education

Scott and Victor discuss the challenges of keeping up with the rapid changes in manufacturing technology.
Victor highlights the need for continuous training and education to maintain professional currency.
Scott emphasizes the importance of employers investing in their workforce to stay competitive.
Victor mentions the issue of skilled workers leaving for better opportunities, which can be a challenge for employers.

The Role of Community Colleges and Apprenticeship Programs

Scott and Victor discuss the role of community colleges in providing manufacturing education and training.
Victor explains that community colleges offer programs in welding, machining, and metallurgical technician, among others.
Scott shares his positive experience with an apprenticeship program, which provided hands-on training and real-life education.
Victor notes the decline in apprenticeship programs and the need for individuals to be proactive in pursuing their career goals.

The Importance of Hands-On Training in Manufacturing

Scott and Victor discuss the importance of hands-on training in manufacturing education.
Victor shares an example of a boot camp where students were given the opportunity to pour their own molds, providing a valuable hands-on experience.
Scott emphasizes the need for students to see and experience the practical aspects of manufacturing to understand its importance.
Victor highlights the benefits of hands-on training in making students more knowledgeable and skilled.

Future Plans for the METAL Program at Cal Poly Pomona

Victor outlines the future plans for the Metal program at Cal Poly Pomona, including expanding the program and reaching more people.
The program aims to attract more high school and college students, as well as industry professionals.
Victor mentions the potential for the program to include more boot camps and workshops to provide additional exposure to students.
The program also aims to strengthen the manufacturing base by educating more people about the industry.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Scott wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of supporting the next generation of industrial leaders.
He encourages listeners to connect with Victor and the METAL program at Cal Poly Pomona for more information.
Scott highlights the role of Industrial Talk in promoting industry professionals and their stories.
He encourages listeners to support the METAL program and other initiatives aimed at training the next generation of industrial leaders.

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!

VICTOR OKHUYSEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

METAL Website: https://www.metalforamerica.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-okhuysen-26bb0423/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/cal-poly-pomona/ Company Website: https://www.cpp.edu/

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