2019 Breakout Sessions

Hear firsthand what The Tool and Die Guy loves about his career in manufacturing. Kerner is a certified Journeyman Tool & Die Maker with extensive experience in the design and build of plastic injection molds, die-casting dies, surface grinding, 3D Milling, EDM, cutter grinding, vertical machining centers, fixture design and mold polishing, assembly and fitting. He is the founder of thetoolanddieguy.com and producer/host of Working Hands Radio.

Join Inventionland Institute to explore STEAM-focused careers, immersive environments and deep-level engagement that paves the way into career readiness. The Inventionland factory has more than 75 unique roles that contribute to the invention process. From fabricators and designers to publishers and voice actors, participants will have the opportunity to learn about new and reemerging careers, and in-demand occupations.

Scientific thinking is a life skill. It's the basis for creativity and successfully pursuing seemingly unattainable goals. The Kata in the Classroom exercise makes it a teachable skill that anyone can learn. It is a fun, hands-on approach to a new way of solving problems using a puzzle, a stopwatch, and lots of teamwork! By combining a simple scientific striving pattern with practice routines called Kata, participants will learn meta-cognitive strategies. In the manufacturing industry and business, Kata describes the foundational continuous improvement philosophy and culture exemplified by Toyota.

Explore plastics manufacturing, robots and automation in manufacturing, material testing and metal manufacturing, design for manufacturing and smart manufacturing. Discover several options for manufacturing related degree programs in the engineering or in the business aspects of manufacturing, as well as programs that integrate both business and engineering. Learn about the manufacturing labs and facilities available at Penn State Behrend and the opportunities provided to students for internships, scholarships and career opportunities in manufacturing. 

Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to train for high-tech, high-demand careers while earning a paycheck, achieving industry-recognized credentials and gaining real-world, hands-on experience. Join a local employer and an apprentice as they discuss the value of apprenticeships and personal experiences.  

Imagine working in a technology field where you could bring things to life and make them move. Imagine developing robots that can work in dangerous environments helping protect humans by keeping them out of harms way. Can you imagine bringing robots to life? This session will explain how learning to operate milling machines, lathe machines and CNC machine shop equipment can help bring these sophisticated robots to life. Machining parts for robotic equipment requires a more developed diverse workforce to manage, design and build the future with all the technological advantages. Come and see some robots that were actually built using some of these machines.

Cochranton's RoboBOTS Teams have taken first place in the Northwest Pennsylvania NTMA RoboBOTS contest for the past six consecutive years and were the 2016 National Robotics League Champions. How do they continually produce competitive BOTS? Learn the secrets to their success in this informative session on the process of designing and building a BOT, as well as preparing for the unexpected on contest day.