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PMMI Podcast

Episode #37 - Bridging the Skills Gap Through Industry Partnerships

June 29, 2020

Guests: Patty Andersen Vice President, Human Resources & Training, Delkor Systems and Vice Chairperson at PMMI and Jeff Thorstad, Automation Robotics Engineering Technologies Program, Hennepin Technical College

As one of the industries that remained in operation during the past four months, packaging and processing companies are seeing not only an increase in production, but also in the need for skilled workers. Unfortunately, the demand for trained labor comes during a time period when manufacturers were already having a hard time filling positions on their operations teams.  Join Delkor Systems' Patty Andersen and Hennepin Technical College's Jeff Thorstad, in this UnPACKed with PMMI podcast episode to hear guidance on solving the puzzle of bridging the skills gap.

 

Speaker

Patty Andersen

Patty Andersen

Patty Andersen is vice president of Human Resources and After Market Services at Minnesota-based Delkor Systems. As co-owner of Delkor she has played a key role in guiding the company’s strategic vision and direction.Andersen has been very active with issues regarding workforce development. She serves on the Foundation Board of Directors for Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves as an advisor for several other colleges.For the past four years she has chaired the Employee Development Committee for PMMI.On Jan. 1, 2020 Andersen became the first female in 87 years to be selected to lead her industry.For the next two years she will serve as Vice Chair of the PMMI Board of Directors followed by a two-year term as Chair of the Board beginning in 2022.Andersen earned her Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Minnesota in Economic Development. She is an avid skier and hiker and loves the outdoors.

Jeff Thorstad

Jeff Thorstad

Jeff Thorstad is an Automation Robotics Engineering instructor at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, MN. He serves as the Department Chair for the Manufacturing areas in Eden Prairie. Courses taught at Hennepin Technical College include courses in Mechanical Components, Electrical Systems, Robotics, Vision Systems, Programmable Logic Controls, and Pneumatic Systems. Prior to teaching, Jeff spent 13 years in various roles in industry. Jeff is also actively involved with helping companies develop employment pathways for students at Hennepin Technical College.

Transcription