Haas Automation is the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States. If the name Gene Haas doesn’t ring a bell, you may be familiar with his Stewart-Haas NASCAR team or his Formula One racing team.
Aside from his businesses and sports endeavors, there’s the philanthropic side of Haas. His Foundation has donated millions in support of manufacturing training programs and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool training programs throughout North America.
Aiken Tech recently received a donation of $10,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation which will fund scholarships for students enrolled in CNC and machine tool technology courses.
“We are very grateful for the support from the Foundation for furthering advancement in manufacturing training for Aiken Technical College students,” said ATC Foundation Director, Beth LaClair, Ph.D. “This award will provide needed scholarship funds and the opportunity for students to compete in CNC competitions.”
This is the second year ATC has benefitted from the generosity of Haas. Last year, a $6,000 grant helped award scholarships to students enrolled in the Machining of Metals course.
The Gene Haas Foundation recognizes that the future of manufacturing in the United States depends directly upon the availability of skilled workers. Expanding the pool of skilled workers hinges on recruiting more young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and creating state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training programs to ensure that graduating students have the skills necessary when they enter the workforce.
They aren’t alone in those efforts. According to The Manufacturing Institute, “Manufacturers across the country are working together to attract the best and brightest talent to manufacturing careers. These efforts must start early if they’re going to have a steady pipeline of talent for years to come.”
Students enrolled in career and technical education courses like those offered by Aiken Tech are the exact target group for manufacturers.
Manufacturing accounts for $2.3 trillion in GDP, employs 12 million people and supports hundreds of local economies, including Aiken and Augusta.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
