IMTS Aims to Recruit New Manufacturing Talent

 In the midst of a troubling dearth of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry, IMTS 2008 will play host to visiting students from middle schools, high schools, community colleges and universities. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Student Summit provides a venue for students to engage with industry professionals and learn about state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. NIMS' hope is that the summit will be an eye-opening experience that encourages young people to pursue careers in the manufacturing industry. The summit will include a Career Awareness Center in the West Building, where all students attending IMTS must register. When not dealing with potential customers, "student-friendly" exhibitors throughout the show will be available to speak with visiting students and answer any questions they may have. NIMS encourages all IMTS exhibitors to sign up as student-friendly exhibitors. According to the organization, participants can help increase awareness of career opportunities in manufacturing technology among students, educators and parents; create excitement about such careers; correct misconceptions about the industry; and help recruit new talent. At IMTS 2006, the summit drew more than 6,000 students. More than 7,000 are expected in 2008. Additional members of the Student Summit audience will include instructors, school administrators and guidance counselors. For more information about IMTS, visit www.imts.com. For more information from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, visit www.nims-skills.org.