We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webcasts
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • COVID-19
    • Events & Webinars
    • Business Resources
    • Industry Announcements
    • Health & Safety
    • Op-Ed
Home » Kohler STEM tours inspire

Kohler STEM tours inspire

By Cindy Howley, Manager of Stewardship and Corporate Events, Kohler

October 6, 2015
No Comments

When you were in eighth grade, what did you want to be when you grew up? If you were like most kids, you probably didn’t even know the breadth of jobs available. Opening students’ eyes to the possibilities is what the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) tours from Kohler Company are all about.

The tours take eighth graders from the communities surrounding the company’s Wisconsin headquarters through the Kohler campus where they observe and meet with associates in STEM fields. Conceived from a partnership between Kohler and local school officials to address the growing manufacturing workforce shortage, the tour program began in 2013 with 400 students, and has grown to host over 800 this fall. In total, more than 1,400 students will have gone through the program in 2015.

After our first tours, we got input from teachers, students, guidance counselors and principals. We refined the tour, making it more focused on the hands-on lab areas and behind-the-scenes working environments of our STEM professionals.

The tours include a pre-tour study guide, a walking tour showcasing everything from research and design to testing, manufacturing and packaging. Along the way, students are exposed to the way Kohler uses computers, models, robotics and 3-D printing to develop and improve products.

We have a very sustainable tour model thanks to the hard work of our STEM professionals and volunteers across campus.

The students talk with Kohler engineers and manufacturing technicians, see the production floor, and visit product labs, which are not normally open to the public. A career fair provides students the opportunity to learn about actual professional paths before and after their tours.

Eighth graders are very impressionable as they choose their classes for high school and we have our STEM associates share their diverse stories of how they got where they are today. This shows students that even if they don’t know what they want to do or how to get there, if they keep learning, they can grow into many different positions.

The need to spread the word about such opportunities is apparent. According to a 2014 survey conducted by Deloitte Development LLC and The Manufacturing Institute, though Americans consider manufacturing among the most important industries in terms of maintaining a strong economy, only 37 percent of respondents would encourage their children to pursue a manufacturing career.

The U.S. Department of Commerce projects that STEM occupations will grow by 17 percent through 2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth in non-STEM occupations. STEM workers earn 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts, according to the department’s research.

As a premier manufacturer in Wisconsin, Kohler has a vested interest in ensuring a healthy workforce pipeline, supporting vibrancy and innovation in the U.S. manufacturing industry as a whole, and inspiring local youth to strive for success and recognize career opportunities right in their backyard.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Company is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the U.S., comprised of 32,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wis. and St Andrews, Scotland.

Engineers & Specifiers Plumbing
  • Related Articles

    Bosch Thermotechnology Sponsors STEM Tech Challenge

    PHCPPros Tours Ideal Boilers and Triangle Tube Factory in Hull, England

    Geberit Continues To Inspire its Customers

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • James “Lukey” LaPorte Passes Away at His Home in Elmwood Park

  • Plumbing, HVACR Bright Spots in 2021

  • Operating Commercial Buildings with Confidence in the Age of COVID

  • Facets of Austin opens its renovated showroom designed to showcase only the products it sells with no distractions.

Featured Video

Sureseal video

SureSeal Floor Drain Trap Seal

Industry Events

  • 28Apr

    2021 BLUE HAWK Annual Conference

    Austin, TX
  • 12Oct

    BOILER 2021 – ABMA Boiler Technology Conference & Expo

    Dallas, TX
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw01 2021
    Learn More
  • Pe01 2021
    Learn More
  • Phc01 2021
    Learn More
  • Es07 2020
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2021 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing