3D printing’s benefits for the design and manufacturing industries aren’t new; the technology has been around for 30 years. New material advances, the addition of a wide colour palette and textures and patterns are keeping 3D printing at the forefront of innovation across many industries.
Additive technology plays a key role in making companies more competitive by streamlining and enhancing the product creation process. But implementing this technology in the workforce requires educators and students to have access to the latest 3D printing and materials in order to be career-ready upon graduation.
As manufacturing technology evolves, there’s a widening gap between advanced solutions and the number of skilled workers who can use them. The use of additive manufacturing will continue to increase, but the emerging workforce is smaller and less prepared than ever before.
Over the next decade, experts predict that the shortage of skilled workers could lead to millions of unfilled jobs in the design, engineering and manufacturing industries. Globally, manufacturers look to community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and universities to attract and retain talented students, and prepare them to work in advanced technology sectors using knowledge and skills far beyond what was required a generation ago.
This 3D printed drone quadcopter is the result of a design challenge given to students at the John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in London, Ontario, Canada.
Make a difference
The gap between industry and prepared graduates can be bridged by fueling the student experience with access to the same cutting-edge tools professionals use every day. Industry leaders are looking for those who not only know how to use the tools of the trade, but who have a clear understanding of how to choose the tool that does the job in the most reliable, repeatable and cost-effective way.
Download the Stratasys White Paper to learn how professional 3D printers keep students engaged, provide essential industry learning, and are now even more affordable with special educational pricing.
Find more resources for topic: