Engineers help shape Clemson University’s advanced manufacturing programs

Engineering and industry professionals attended a series of workshops in Greenville on Feb. 5 that will help shape the education and research programs that prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.

The Cornerstone Workshops on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and on University-Level Education Opportunities was held in the TD Gallery at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.

These workshops helped launch the industrial consortium branch of Clemson’s new Product Lifecycle Management Center, said John Wagner, the center’s director and a professor of mechanical engineering.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for industry to help us shape the workforce of the future,” he said. “The industrial consortium is a group of companies that will be able to join at different membership levels and will provide benefits that will include the opportunity for workshops, whether virtually or on site. They will also have access to research and the ability to direct research done by faculty and students.”

The  cornerstone workshops featured plenary speaker Mike Leary, GE Gas Power chief engineer, who spoke on “PLM – The GE Journey and Challenge for the Future.”

Breakout sessions and panel discussions covered topics including types of training certificates that should be available, what educational topics students should be exposed to, and the best manner of delivering learning concepts.

The Product Lifecycle Management Center is part of the Clemson University Center for Advanced Manufacturing, led by Mark Johnson.

“The sessions were partnership and feedback opportunities by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing,” Johnson said. “They will help ensure Clemson programs are best-in-class at preparing students for professional careers in industry, so they will be ready to contribute on day one and to be leaders throughout their careers.”