Stephen Maund, right, shakes hands with Southern Lehigh graduate Jeremy Howard during a SkillsUSA Council Signing Day event. Demco Automation hired Howard for a full-time position after he worked at the company via LCTI’s cooperative education program.

An early introduction to the world of manufacturing can be a life-shaping experience.

It was for Demco Automation President & CEO Stephen Maund, who studied machining at Montgomery County’s Eastern Center for Arts and Technology during high school. The skills he developed at Eastern led to summer work at a machine shop. That job helped form Maund’s early understanding of manufacturing career pathways and continues to influence his work today.

“I gained significant insight into the application of design process, design elements, materials and manufacturing processes. All of those things have really aided in my ability to do my job, not only as a mechanical engineer, but in management positions, as well,” he explained.

After graduation, Maund earned an engineering degree from Temple University and launched a successful career in manufacturing that spans five decades. From engineer to director, he served in a variety of roles for several companies before taking the reins at Demco in 2010.

As we mark Manufacturing Month — an annual campaign designed to showcase the reality of modern manufacturing and attract future talent to the industry — Maund said it’s important that Lehigh Valley youngsters get the same opportunities he had. Manufacturers can make that happen by opening their facilities to the community, hiring high school and college students, and sitting on career and technology center advisory committees.

Welcome the public

Inviting the community to explore their facilities is a simple way for businesses to mold popular opinion about manufacturing, Maund said. Hosting special events, public tours and school field trips gives people an up-close look at an industry about which many have outdated ideas.

Demco Automation participates in Southern Lehigh Middle School’s STEAM Expo.

Too often, folks think manufacturing equals backbreaking labor performed for low wages in dingy factories when the opposite is true, said Maund, who serves on Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s Joint Operating Committee. Modern manufacturing facilities are bright, clean and outfitted with automated technology run by highly skilled, well-compensated workers who are in demand.

Based on gross domestic product, the Lehigh Valley is among the top 15 percent of manufacturing markets in the U.S., and it’s seen a 29 percent jump in manufacturing employment since  2010. “It’s vitally important to convey what is happening in our economy and in our region,” Maund said. Inviting residents to visit local manufacturing facilities is one way to accomplish that.

Careers not jobs

Technical schools offer programs that help young people launch lucrative careers, rather than just getting jobs, Maund said. Students with the right skills can earn $20 to $30 in an entry-level manufacturing position, he said. “For a student coming out of high school, that’s $40,000 to $60,000 a year with no college debt.”

Companies can partner with schools to make sure students and staff know about the opportunities available in manufacturing, Maund said. “It comes down to companies working with career and technology centers and high schools to provide awareness. How can you expect students to embark on a learning program if they don’t know what careers are out there?”

They can also tap students to fill internship and cooperative education positions. Bringing high schoolers on board for co-op and hiring college interns every summer has helped Demco deepen its talent pool over the years, he said. “It’s become an extended interview for those people when we’re looking for candidates.”

Demco Automation donated a manufacturing cell to Upper Bucks County Technical School.

Support with service

Programs at LCTI and career and technology centers across Pennsylvania are advised by committees comprised of industry professionals. Encouraging their employees to serve on these advisory committees is another smart way manufacturers can engage with the community, Maund said.

Schools rely on committee members’ expertise to shape curriculum and ensure their programs are aligned with what’s happening in industry. And manufacturers rely on schools to produce graduates with an optimal mix of technical and employability skills. 

Serving on committees may also lead to unforeseen opportunities for manufacturers to give back to their communities, whether it’s guest speaking, equipment donation or college scholarships, Maund said. “Occupational Advisory Committees meetings are an important way for companies to stay connected,” he said.

From Automated Industrial Technology to Welding Technology, LCTI has a variety of manufacturing programs for high school students and adult learners.