Tool and die critical need part II
Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 17, 2025 / Subscribe 0
I wrote last month about the lack of tool and die makers in this country, and how critical they are to manufacturing. Machines can be bought and buildings can be built . But tool and die professionals cannot be produced overnight. It takes years of learning skills and practice to gain the mastery of this craft.
Help may be on the way. Last month the GHMA was asked to judge a science project contest at the Energy High School – part of the Houston Independent School District. This is a magnet school, which I learned is a special school focusing on unique sectors – such as Energy. Magnet schools also attract the best teachers as the focus is more on education than sports, for example, in a public school setting.
Judges were asked to select the top eight teams out of 40 that entered the competition. In a nutshell, I was blown away by the projects these students created. All the projects were designed and fabricated in the schools "Maker Space" which included a variety of 3D printers , table-top lathes, and a small welder and press brake for bending sheet metal. Most of the machines had small computers that were coded by the students. More, teachers were enthusiastic about meeting Industry people!
Earlier that week I had also participated in a MIddle school 's "Career Day" where we talked to 8th-graders on their future goals. I was the only one representing Engineering and Manufacturing.
Make no mistake: Supporting these kids means supporting our way of life. Manufacturing jobs ensure that people can earn a good living, wealth we all need to build houses and factories, pay for health care and fire and police protection.
A colleague of mine used to supply handouts showing the earnings of a fast-food worker, a mechanical engineer, and a tool and die maker. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 10 years into their careers, the tool and die maker topped the list. Unfortunately few high schools even have courses in ‘making things.’ It’s time we revisited the concept. One manufacturing job directly impacts nine others.
Please volunteer at your nearest school – students and even teachers need help in learning about our industry and its wonderful potential for the next generation.
Wayne Mausbach is President of the GHMA. Reach him at [email protected].
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