By CASEY NEILL
HALLAM Senior College students got a hands-on master class in efficient manufacturing last week – without leaving their classroom.
Staff from Dandenong manufacturer Fantech brought a taste of the factory floor to the school as part of the Manufacturing XL program, run by the Beacon Foundation and City of Greater Dandenong’s South East Business Networks (SEBN).
Fantech production manager Pat Moynihan turned the classroom into a virtual workshop to show how the business used lean production methods to create efficiency and reduce waste.
Students worked in groups to build a Fantech product using an inefficient process.
They then applied Fantech’s continuous improvement principles to make their process lean, saving time and resources.
Fantech marketing director Paul de Bruin said Manufacturing XL promoted careers in manufacturing to young people, which made good business and community sense.
“We hope this may inspire young people to see their potential and in turn put focus into developing their capabilities,” he said.
“This can definitely contribute to the success of an organisation such as Fantech.”
The Beacon Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation that targets youth unemployment.
Beacon’s Duncan McKimm said these Business Blackboard classes showed students real examples of how businesses use the work they do in the classroom.
“These classes help show young people the types of skills the industry needs and lets students see first-hand how it’s brains rather than brawn that runs 21st century manufacturing,” Mr McKimm said.
SEBN manager Sandra George said it was important for manufacturing businesses to show how exciting the industry could be to attract the best and brightest.
“The reality of manufacturing in the 21st century is that engineering and problem-solving skills are crucial for businesses to remain competitive,” Ms George said.
Manufacturing XL is part of Beacon Foundation’s national Real Futures Generation project, which is funded by the Federal Department of Education.
It aims to show that when businesses and schools work together to help young people start their careers, the outcomes are positive for the whole community.
Businesses can contact Mr McKimm on 8668 3085 for information about getting involved.
