Industry partners help prepare future leaders in manufacturing

Engineering technology major offers collaboration between education and industry

The Ohio State University at Marion has partnered with business and industry professionals to prepare students majoring in engineering technology to become the business-oriented, industry leaders in the Marion region, across the state of Ohio and beyond.

Ohio State's engineering technology bachelor's degree is one of the majors offered by the university's nationally ranked College of Engineering but is exclusively available on Ohio State's regional campuses. Now, four short years after establishing the major, new graduates are fulfilling specific needs for area manufacturers. The engineering technology degree program is designed to produce highly skilled graduates with comprehensive training in manufacturing engineering, preparing them for a wide range of responsibilities, including process optimization, production management, troubleshooting, and company representative roles.

The need for these graduates is being driven by a resurgence of manufacturing, Ohio's largest economic sector, and has increased demand for college graduates with this combination of skills.

According to the Director of Marion's economic development organization Marion CAN DO!, Gus Comstock, the benefit of having a regional campus of an internationally recognized university right here in Marion, Ohio is a huge competitive advantage to regional businesses and industries.

Assistant Professor of Practice in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Dr. Nima Mansouri, said, "Providing a direct connection to curriculum, Marion County and Ohio, being industrial hubs, has a significant demand for a skilled workforce, particularly in manufacturing. This region requires a new generation of well-educated engineers to meet its industrial needs. By equipping students with the latest knowledge in manufacturing, we are helping local industries remain competitive and lead the nation in the future of manufacturing."

Marion County Director of OhioMeans Jobs, Roxanne Somerlot who works directly with area companies and business echoed the sentiment of Comstock. "The Ohio State University educates the full continuum of the talent pipeline for the most in-demand industries. Our local relationship with Ohio State results in proactive and effective training solutions for employers of any size and mission."

"Our industry partners have been involved from the very beginning, even during the curriculum development phase of this major," said Ohio State Marion's Capstone Coordinator Nima Mansouri. "Their insight into industry demands guided us in designing a curriculum that meets those needs. Their involvement in engineering seminars, campus talks, and collaboration on Capstone courses help students deal real-world challenges they face," he said.

"A great example of the connection between business and industry is the Capstone Program with the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology," said Comstock. "Companies can get an important project/problem completed or solved by a highly trained student/prospective employee with the backing of Ohio State's world-renowned engineering faculty."

"In the capstone project, students team up with industry partners to tackle practical issues in manufacturing processes. They work collaboratively with industry professionals in developing solutions. This experience helps students to become familiar with real-world challenges and prepares them for their future careers," Mansouri elaborated.

"In 2023-2024 academic year, our students partnered with the Whirlpool Corporation and Sakamura USA and completed three projects. This year, our students are collaborating with Honda and Sakamura on two new projects," Mansouri added.

Connecting engineering technology students with internationally recognized businesses and industries creates a win-win situation. For the students, it means real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a clearer path to future employment. For businesses and industries, it provides access to fresh talent, innovative ideas, and an avenue to shape the next generation of engineers who will drive their success. The collaboration fosters skill development and ensures that educational programs remain aligned with industry needs, ultimately benefiting both the students and the regional economy.