| Orthopedic manufacturers and other manufacturing | | | | word processing, to tasks related to any of the above |
| firms would be wise not to ignore the talents of local | | | | areas, and others should be considered. It is also wise |
| technical high schools and colleges in their operations. | | | | to rely on advice from the counselors and teachers at |
| Nearly every manufacturing firm regardless of size, will | | | | the school to find out what is appropriate. |
| likely have a number of jobs that they might consider | | | | A large degree of common sense is recommended |
| to subcontract to vendors. One source usually not | | | | here. Of course, students should never be given any |
| considered for subcontracted work, is the pool of local | | | | task for which they have not been properly trained. |
| technical high school and college students. | | | | Any specialized type of work or work that involves |
| Many counties across the US have technical high | | | | risk should be avoided under all circumstances. Safety |
| schools and colleges that train students in a variety of | | | | is paramount here for all concerned. In general, office |
| fields from automotive to advanced manufacturing | | | | jobs are more appropriate than any kind of work on |
| technology. Often these students have several years | | | | the shop or factory floor. |
| of experience in areas that can assist manufacturers | | | | What expectation should a technical student have of |
| located right in their own backyard. | | | | their experience? Often the biggest obstacle students |
| What are the advantages of an internship to the | | | | may find upon graduation is their lack of experience. |
| manufacturer? | | | | Any industry experience at all is good, but an area that |
| 1) Internships are usually offered only to the best and | | | | relates specifically to their major or career field is very |
| the brightest students in their class, and usually only to | | | | beneficial. Every student looking for their first job faces |
| seniors. | | | | a field in which there are not only other students with |
| 2) Students have years of experience writing term | | | | similar background, but other candidates, sometimes |
| papers, so they are usually computer literate. Basic | | | | with years of experience. |
| skills such as word processing computer skills are | | | | An internship and a good recommendation from a |
| usually very good to excellent. | | | | reputable company, can separate a student from the |
| 3) Most schools due to the extremely attractive | | | | rest of the field. It shows initiative and demonstrates |
| discounts offered to educational institutions, have | | | | aptitude for a particular field. They also may find that |
| software that is up to date with the all the most recent | | | | their experience gives them a better feel for their |
| releases. Technical students are usually tech savvy | | | | career choices in order to make wise decisions for |
| and are current with the latest computer software. | | | | their future. |
| (CAD and computer graphics are now even taught in | | | | Students can see what really does on in a |
| some regular high schools) | | | | manufacturing plant. For some, it may be the first time |
| 4) Costs will be likely be minimum or very reasonable. | | | | to set foot inside a manufacturing facility outside of the |
| Each manufacturer will have to consult with the career | | | | classroom. They may have preconceptions, especially |
| department of the local technical school, to find out the | | | | negative stereotypes that can be dispelled, through |
| terms of their internships. In addition, a simple donation | | | | their experience. |
| to the school in the form of a grant, or donations of | | | | There are numerous benefits of manufacturing |
| new or used equipment may be tax deductible. | | | | internships for the manufacturer and the student. |
| Consultation with appropriate accountants or tax | | | | Students can gain valuable real world experience, and |
| attorneys for specific advice in this area is advised. | | | | manufacturers can gain fresh talent with up to date |
| What are some of the jobs that tech student can | | | | computer skills from some of the best young minds |
| provide ? Everything from basic software training on | | | | that may one day lead their industry. |
| CAD/CAM to graphics, desktop publishing, web design, | | | | |