TRAINING QUALITY MANPOWER FOR CONVENTIONAL INDUSTRIES Dr. Tal Lotan – Manufactures Association of Israel

Manpower in the mirror of industry Workers at Production Level Vocational Training Technicians/Practical Engineers/ Operational Engineers Engineers/Scientists “Breaking Frontiers”

 Sophisticated - based on technology and telecommunications (from metal working to operating CNC systems - requiring training at technician’s level at the least)  Shortened “life span” of technical generations  Strengthened international competition – need for unique and innovative development  Strengthened globalization trend: development, production and marketing spread worldwide  Sub-specialization and professionalism  Strengthened multi-disciplinary character of products CHARACTERISTICS OF INDUSTRY IN THE COMING DECADE

Providing specific professional technical designs (such as electronics, computerized production systems) alongside generic qualifications (crossing study streams):  Providing core plans that are not technically/system dependent: engineering design processes, project management, computer-aided drafting and design, technical reading and writing  Languages – English as “work language”  Strengthening interdisciplinary studies (Mechatronics)– in accordance with future needs of the economy/industry  Acquiring expertise and skill in team work/cooperation (executing final projects in studies for technician/practical engineer/engineer that combine a number of learning streams)  Cultivating skills in initiative, creativity and original thinking (“outside the box”), decision making under uncertain conditions SIGNIFICANCE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCE

SIGNIFICANCE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCE (ctd) Providing expertise and tools for independent study - Life-Long Learning (systems/technologies, new processes)  Defining systems of granting qualification and diplomas in cooperation with employers/industry: defining subjects/study streams and teaching programs in accordance with industry’s needs at all levels of qualification (professional/technical/practical engineering/engineering)  Granting incentives for professional progress: accrediting/raising practical engineering studies to academic level  Providing flexibility for workers to maintain knowledge while working – Just in Time Training – using training technologies

SIGNIFICANCE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL COMPETANCE (ctd.)  Establishing training centers fully equipped with technologies and workshops for training and practice – accessible day and night  Establishing continuing education programs for updating knowhow for technicians, practical engineers and engineers  Carrying out government-funded media campaigns to promote work in industry and technical education

 Developing training programs in line with industry’s needs  Job-specific training: general training (at training center) and targeted internship in industry  Strengthening training in industry: classes at factories, On the Jon Training  Massive investment in equipment and workshops (training centers for youth at schools/adults)  Evaluating and budgeting for training centers in line with trainees’ and employers’ satisfaction and according to job placements  Providing government incentives for professional training and improving jobs – providing subsistence pay during training period, with emphasis on populations outside the working sector PROFESSIONAL TRAINING – SHORT-TERM HIGHLIGHTS

ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL TECHNICAL- VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL Establishing a national technical training council in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor, Ministry of Welfare, academia, industry, trade unions, employers’ organizations Examining existing models worldwide in areas of technical training, education and vocational training and relevance to Israel Defining technical subjects relevant to the employment field – by defining needs (subjects which are lacking and existing subjects that are irrelevant) Defining arrangements for granting authorization and diplomas and standards for training centers Defining study plans and teaching methods relevant to the present-day employment arena – emphasis on abilities and skills needed in the employment world (such as: teamwork, creativity, initiative and innovation, understanding of engineering design processes)