News from the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council

Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA) in Chicago has been in the headlines recently with articles in the New York Times, The Reader, Substance, Austin Talks, and some blogs. The articles focused on recent turmoil at the school. Some of the teachers were given poor evaluations and asked not to return. Some students took disciplined action in support of those teachers and were suspended. We have a new principal-the third as we enter our fifth year. To some, these realities became the whole or key story about APA.

Quite the contrary. APA is a work in progress representing a distinctive public/private partnership that is beginning to effectively link a growing advanced manufacturing sector in Chicago to a West Side community and to Chicago Public Schools. In this case, the turmoil reflected growing pains as we transition from a school with relatively weak academic performance and accountability to becoming a school that is increasingly systematic in its approach to improve teaching and learning -a reality that was generally ignored in the flurry of articles and blogs.

APA becomes Illinois' first NIMS-accredited high school

Austin Polytech reached a key milestone on June 27 when the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) accredited the school's machining program and on-campus WaterSaver Faucet Co. Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC). To date, Austin Polytech has awarded 125 industry-recognized NIMS certifications to 89 students.

NIMS credentials are respected by employers across the country as evidence of potential employees' manufacturing qualifications. As part of the certification process, students must complete theoretical and practical examinations, including building a part to exact specifications.

"Exceptional employer advisory committees are in place and are very active in supporting the mission of [APA's] program," the NIMS evaluation team noted. "Both advisory committees are committed and vested in the program's success and employer companies are eager to hire credentialed entry-level people."

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CMRC projects represented at Clinton Global Initiative summit

Two CMRC projects were represented the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) summit in Chicago on June 29-30. Dan Swinney, executive director of the CMRC's managing partner, the Center for Labor & Community Research (CLCR), presented two Commitments to America:

Doubling the annual rate of industry-recognized machinining certifications earned in Illinois through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) by 2013 (read more)
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Preparing a development plan for the Austin Manufacturing Innovation Park, an ambitious concept in partnership with Austin Coming Together (ACT) for a research and development facility to attract jobs, innovation, and investment to Chicago's West Side neighborhood of Austin (read more)

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, CGI convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. CGI members have made nearly 2,000 commitments, which have already improved the lives of 300 million people in more than 180 countries.

The CMRC welcomes two new co-chairs

Steve Kersten, WaterSaver Faucet Co. and Guardian Equipment Inc.

Steve Kersten

Steven A. Kersten is the owner and president of WaterSaver Faucet Co. and Guardian Equipment Inc. WaterSaver is the leading worldwide manufacturer of faucets, valves and related products for us in science laboratories. Guardian manufactures emergency eye wash and shower equipment for use in a wide variety of applications, including industrial, petrochemical, semiconductor and scientific. Both WaterSaver and Guardian are third-generation companies and have been based in Chicago since their founding over sixty years ago. Mr. Kersten received a BA degree from Harvard University and a JD degree from the University of Chicago. He is an active member of the Chicago community, serving on the board of directors of The Leed Council, president and board member of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI) and a member of the board of trustees of the University of Chicago.

Joe Pijanowski, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 126

Joe Pijanowski Joseph M. Pijanowski is directing business representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 126. He also serves as an executive board member of the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) and the CFL Workers Assistance Committee. Mr. Pijanowski also has several years of experience as a part-time electro/mechanical/hydraulic technician, 24 years as a journeyman machinist and foreman, and 4 years as a directing business representative and workers rights activist. He also is a part-time inventor and hobbyist.

Joe and Steve join co-chairs Rita Athas of World Business Chicago, David Hanson of the City Colleges of Chicago, and Jorge Ramirez of the Chicago Federation of Labor.

ManufacturingWorks WIA Proposal Accepted

Instituto del Progreso Latino (IDPL) has secured a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Workforce Center contract for its ManufacturingWorks (MW) program, Chicagoland's sectoral business center for manufacturing workforce development, funded through the Department of Family and Support Services.

The MW staff acts as Production Floor Shop consultants for the manufacturing sector, educating those companies on workforce development products and services based upon their current and future needs. MW discusses potential projects and options, working with companies to deploy the proper resources based upon the company's specific timeline and goals to be achieved. Together, MW and manufacturers set project benchmarks to reach to ensure that the company's Return on Investment is positively impacted.

MW also serves as the "hub" of the Chicago WorkNet system, which includes over 20 community based agencies, technical area skills training providers, and the City Colleges of Chicago. MW seeks out nationally recognized skill standards to incorporate at both skills training schools and companies. MW also seeks to obtain industry data, information and trends on equipment and systems, to educate the WorkNet system on up to date industry information. This helps to increase the knowledge and supply of qualified job seeking candidates to meet the demand of advanced skill positions for sector companies.

"ManufacturingWorks is in the unique position to be able to write, obtain, deliver and project manage a variety of city, state and federal grant funding for hiring, internships, and incumbent worker training customized onsite at manufacturing companies," said MW director Tony Garritano.

To learn more about how MW can serve your company, contact Tony at tony@idpl.org.