Jena Shore
Lawrence Equipment, a manufacturer of flat bread machinery in El Monte, CA, have created a successful business since their founding in 1980—but they also knew that a lot has changed. To stay in front of the advancements quickly transforming workflows in the manufacturing industry, they also have eyes on their future workforce. To this end, they developed a robust community outreach program that served local high schools and colleges, reaching students before they graduate.
When Pasadena City College (PCC) created an academic board to improve their programs, they invited feedback from schools and successful local manufacturers. Because of Lawrence Equipment’s reputation in the community and the fact that their company had attracted many past graduates, PCC asked them to join the board.
During the curriculum evaluation, Lawrence Equipment shared how Fusion 360 has helped them innovate and improve their design and manufacturing process workflows. This has yielded better business outcomes for the company like operational efficiency, improved productivity, and higher quality production. PCC was convinced, adding Fusion 360 training to their courses and instantly saw the benefits. From the outset, students were spending less time learning software and more time on the machines incorporating important machining skills that drive the future of manufacturing..
But they aren’t just learning machine skills: Integrated CAD and CAM teaches students to see the bigger picture and understand how their work will affect the company as a whole. And PCC is not just teaching them how to run machines, they’re implementing a shift in approach to meet the industry’s changing demands for the future of automation and manufacturing. As a result, Lawrence Equipment hires from a steady pool of highly qualified PCC graduates—a win-win.
Watch the video to learn more about this exemplary partnership between academia and industry driving the future of manufacturing.