FEATURE PRESENTATION: As the demand for manufacturing resources increases, so does the demand for skilled employees, who can advance our technology. Not limited to engineering and business talent, the biggest concern today is the foundation of the workforce that built the manufacturing system that remains a national powerhouse: skilled tradespeople.
Today our businesses must deal with the aging of those skilled tradespeople, and the large deficit of young new talent willing to take the baton and advance what we have built thus far. The average age of our skilled workforce is 59. There are few vocational programs. If we do not act to provide a new, solid “hands-on” work force, we are faced with a catastrophic melt down of industry. This presentation is intended to help facilitate sharing ideas about what seasoned professionals can do to share knowledge by teaching and coaching the next generation.
SPEAKER BIO: Mike Kozal has an enviable background in management and design, with an eclectic set of skills. He has lead numerous teams in the automotive industry and supported his company as they expanded into new areas. His extensive experience in the industry has opened up the doors for numerous developments, production performances and training at all levels.
He has held numerous jobs at P&C, starting from Janitor's Helper, Co-Op,Tool & Die Apprentice, Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Journeyman Metal Model Maker, Research and Development Supervisor, R&D Manager, Director of R&D and Advanced Engineering, Director of Engineering (launch) and R&D, and his current position, VP of Engineering.
Mike holds a Mechatronics Engineering degree from Ferris State University. He has been at P&C for 40 years. He was born in Michigan. He and his wife Deb enjoy spending time with their five Grandchildren, working outside, and wine making.
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