Tech Products that Will Improve Vocational Careers

This blog was originally posted on Matthew Mann's website here. 

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Vocational jobs are those that do not require a four-year degree period certification. They may require a license depending on the field. Sometimes they learn the trade on the job. In the face of improving automated and forecasts of a huge reduction in employment, blue-collar tasks are becoming electronic. The release of technological innovations is flipping on its head as data becomes available to allow individuals to know what their health status is in each moment, and guide action accordingly. The case in today’s manufacturing industry is that technology can be used to enhance production process. Below are a few of these technological products that have helped in this industry.

VR/AR and Training

Virtual reality equipment and augmented reality wearables have become the interface for workers to connect to the internet inside sectors, assisting them to make better choices in real-time. The VR/AR and Training wearables offer real-time support and assistance to employees will modify employment styles, removing the need for reasonably experienced employees accountable for adjusting the screws or buying and selling the valves. Instead, hire people with a much lower ability and let them be backed up by the technology.

Near-AI in Radiology

The tech product has helped in the vocational medical sector. Doctors have hired technicians to help with this machine. IBM’s Watson supercomputer has been used in the study of cancer to support healthcare decision-making. It showed the distinct advantages of such a system by looking into creating diagnoses and therapy less expensive and more efficient. IBM’s Medical Filter venture is designed to identify most internal wounds with a smart application, making space for radiologists to concentrate on the most important situations instead of verifying thousands of pictures every day.

Google Glass

Google glass is a tech product. Its use in the manufacturing industry has also helped the blue-collar jobs. As it turns out, many businesses still depend on paper guidelines. At a production massive like GE, where thousands of employees work away at complicated projects like building and maintaining jet engines, those guidelines can complete huge binders. If employees read directions or see blueprints on an included screen, in comparison to putting a hold on turnover through hundreds of pages, they could save a hugely significant period of your time per move. The use of Google Glass at AGCO, the agricultural-machine producer, reduced production time here for low-volume, complicated devices by a full 25 percent.

Vocational Education is Improving This School Year

This blog was originally posted on Matthew Mann's website here.

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With students heading back to school, it’s a great time to read the news as an educator. New developments in education and career options are usually rolled out at the start of the school year, as well as highlights from what’s working in the education sphere — and what isn’t. Below are three states that are changing the way education is being structured in West Virginia, New Jersey and Arkansas.

In West Virginia

“Seeing Hope for Flagging Economy, West Virginia Revamps Vocational Track” via The New York Times

In the heart of the United States’ rust belt lies West Virginia, a state typically known for its barren mountain landscape, poverty-stricken towns and the opioid crisis. As a state with such a bad reputation, what are schools to do with its children and the future of their economy?

Enter four high school teachers who are about to change the education sphere for students in West Virginia. Over the summer, these teachers attended a simulated-workplace summer training program at Marshall University that will help pave the way to a successful future for students. What’s a simulated-workplace, you may ask?

In this format of vocational schooling, students punch in and out of school, like a time clock you would see in a workplace. In addition, students are assigned professional roles in industries commonly seen in West Virginia, such as coal, health and fracking, and they’re given vacation days to use at their leisure!

In New Jersey

“Lawmakers call for major expansion of N.J.’s vo-tech schools” via NJ.com

According to some vocational schools in New Jersey, demand for enrollment is high but unfortunately, they have to turn away students. In an effort to bring their technical schools into the 21st century and beyond, schools are using their cash to make improvements to the curriculum.

Although this sounds like it could be a negative issue, it’s probably better for the long run. Not only does the state want to make sure students are fully equipped with the skills they need, but they want to train more students to work in manufacturing and bio-tech — two fields that are expected to grow in the future.

In Arkansas

“Ark. Students Get Early Start on Career Planning” via EdWeek

At the conclusion of the last school year, 8th grade students at Wynne Junior High School participated in a “job shadow” day. Students were scattered all over town, shadowing veterinarians, doctors, farmers, police officers and more.

The state of Arkansas is hoping that giving kids this opportunity early in their education will encourage them to make better and clearer decisions about their future career path. Not only do schools organize job shadow days, but the state has college and career coaches on hand to some of their middle and high schools. These coaches work with students to craft college and career plans that will empower them to make more informed decisions about their future.