Bill Rodebaugh on the Importance of STEM Education for the Manufacturing Industry

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I’m a firm advocate of the role that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education plays in shaping a skilled workforce that can effectively meet the future needs of our industry.

The Future Relies on STEM
I believe it’s critical to take time to focus on STEM for the next generation. As technology advances, industries like ours must ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet future challenges. At AdvanSix, our operations are the backbone of what we do, and we need to think not only about what’s required to run our plants today, but also how we prepare for the future.

Many of the roles at our sites are highly skilled and demand deep expertise that can take years to develop. As equipment evolves, we are seeing more advanced instrumentation and controls being integrated into our operations. Navigating these increasingly complex systems will require employees who are not only technically proficient but also adaptable to new technologies. This goes beyond just hands-on training – it requires a solid foundation in STEM.

By fostering an interest early on, we can build a talent pipeline to sustain these operations for the long term. Encouraging young people to explore STEM careers helps ensure that future generations are prepared to take on meaningful roles in industries like manufacturing, operations and engineering.

From the Classroom to the Plant: Bridging Education and Industry
At AdvanSix, investing in STEM education is a top priority. We actively partner with various organizations to foster the next generation of talent and provide real-world learning opportunities.

Our Frankford plant plays a key role in these efforts, hosting a robust co-op program with Drexel University, where students gain hands-on experience in chemical manufacturing. Each summer, we welcome interns to immerse themselves in the plant environment, applying what they’ve learned to the real world. Beyond that, we are excited to expand our outreach by developing new internship opportunities for high school students at the Science Leadership Academy – a Philadelphia-based school focused on technology-driven, project-based learning.

We are also proud of the relationships we’ve built with other local schools in the area, where our team engages students with various science topics. We look forward to continuing these collaborations in the future and inspiring more young minds.

Advice for Future Innovators
For young people thinking of a career in STEM, or even a future role at one of our plants, I recommend focusing on building a strong technical foundation by studying as much math and science as possible. I would also look at taking electives in advance manufacturing, like using 3D printers. Additionally, participating in robotics clubs and similar extracurricular activities provide great hands-on experience and exposure to problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills – all of which are essential in our field.

As a father of six, I find it helpful to gauge interest and provide opportunities outside of school to build this base. By investing in the next generation, we are not just preparing for a bright future, but also shaping it.

Learn more about the opportunities available at AdvanSix on our careers page: https://www.advansix.com/people-careers/