Training has quickly evolved in recognition of the new realities of the factory floor. The training tool kit has never been more diverse or effective. Training regimens today, at the best companies, are analogous to those of the most successful professional sports or Olympic teams. Instead of weight room, nutrition, and practice, workers use digital webinars, simulations, and classrooms. If modern training tools and techniques result in faster, higher, and stronger on the athletic field, they also produce faster, smarter, and better for companies seeking a competitive edge in the marketplace.

At the Motion + Power Technology Expo in Detroit, I had the privilege to sit and discuss workforce development challenges with Kris Ward, senior director, strategy, and business development at SME, Kika Young, president, Forest City Gear, Mary Ellen Doran, director, emerging technology and executive director for the AGMA Foundation and Megan Schrauben, executive director, MiSTEM Network. The following is an edited transcript of this panel discussion. (Special thanks to Forest City Gear for sponsoring this live event.)

In July, Raymond J. Drago, P.E.—chief engineer of Drive Systems Technology, Inc. (DST), a mechanical power transmission consulting organization that he founded in 1976—will lead an IACET-accredited course on both the geometry and rating of involute splines of various types along with their applications. Topics under discussion include spline configuration variations, including half depth, full depth, and special function designs; both fixed and flexible spline configurations in terms of usage and design; lubrication methods, including grease, oil bath, and flowing oil, as well as coatings appropriate for various spline applications; and shear and compressive stress rating methods with analyses methodology in both equation and graphical methodology via various rating charts.

From April to June 2022, prospective attendees will again have the opportunity to learn about current trends and the latest happenings at Klingelnberg. After so many exhibitions were canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Klingelnberg took the initiative of launching its own WebSeminar series.