The Challenging Field of Automation

An ISA and AF initiative that is near and dear to me, as a lifetime academic person, is the workforce development program planned for students and young automation professionals this year in Houston. Some of the activities included in this program are listed below. If you are attending Automation Week and ISA EXPO I hope you will take some time to meet and greet these automation professionals of the future. This is a chance for you to tell them how much you enjoy your work in automation. Let them know that this field holds many challenges and opportunities. Be sure to encourage them to join or to continue their membership in the International Society of Automation. But above all, encourage them to pursue or continue to pursue a career in automation.

Help us build the Automation Generation at Automation Week!

Automation Career Connection at Automation Week and ISA EXPO offers a multitude of activities related to careers in automation. It is designed to bring industry professionals, academia, college students, middle and high school students, and those interested in getting involved with the automation profession to these special automation career-related events.

• YAPFEST – This networking event gives students and automation professionals—ages 18-30—the chance to meet with others who are interested in careers in automation. All in a festive atmosphere! If you are 18-30 years of age, you are invited to attend. 300 attendees anticipated!
  
  

• iAU2M8.09 – This event introduces the concept of automation to middle and high school students and provides examples of the many career choices available through educational displays, a keynote presentation, and more activities related to the automation profession. 600 students anticipated!
  
  

• Undergraduate Student Research Conference – This event provides an opportunity for pre-selected college students to show their fundamental knowledge and skills in an information exchange focused on research projects. Open to all!
  
  
• Business & Academic Leads Roundtable - Presented by the Institute for a Competitive Workforce - US Chamber of Commerce, this program invites business and academia to come together to discuss critical topics, such as:
  
  -Business-Education Partnerships: The Road Both Traveled
  -Better Education Data—A Key to Effective Educational Decisions
  -The National Governors Association—Common Core Initiative
  
  This program will be held on 6 October from 9:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Open to all!

• Re-employment Webcast Summit - This live webinar, presented by the US Department of Labor, will focus on critical areas of concern for the unemployed and "need-to-knows" for re-employment into the workforce. Those currently unemployed in the automation profession or those looking to advance in their careers are encouraged to attend. This free webinar will take place on 7 October from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Open to all!
  
  

These workforce development events will serve 1,000+ people at all age levels as they learn more about careers in automation and how to improve their current careers in automation. Check out the ISA EXPO onsite program or the registration desk for details about these events.

See you at ISA EXPO 2009,

Jerry Cockrell
2009 ISA President