Metzloff looks to re-'mould' industrial studies at UWP
PLATTEVILLE - Professor Kyle Metzloff of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville returned from a two-week trip to New Zealand on Aug. 21. He spoke at "Moulding the Future," the Casting Technology of New Zealand's 2009 annual conference. He also made preparations to take the Traveling Technology program (formerly known as Hot Wheelz) abroad while on sabbatical after the 2009 fall semester for six months.
At the conference, Metzloff spoke primarily about education and how to recruit more students into manufacturing. The Traveling Technology program introduces local high school students to manufacturing technologies. Metzloff, with a small group of his students, educate students by taking an electric kiln to area schools and showing students how to create and use metal castings.
Because of economic downturn, many high schools have cut their more hands-on technology education classes due to the sometimes expensive nature of the classes and public opinion suggesting they have no place in schools compared to core subjects.
"Lots of people, especially the media, have this idea that all the manufacturing jobs are going to China and other countries," said Metzloff. "What people don't understand is that, per capita, there are probably more jobs in manufacturing than in other fields in Wisconsin."
Wisconsin is listed in the top three metal casting manufacturers, with the Waupaca Foundry being the largest in the world. During his second trip, Metzloff plans to bring the Traveling Technology program to numerous high schools in New Zealand. While doing this, he will be sitting down with colleagues in his field to find out what New Zealand is doing to introduce students to various fields in manufacturing as well as how New Zealand's manufacturing firms are remaining competitive.
Because of New Zealand's size, production on a national level is limited. Therefore, export is a significant tool by which New Zealand stays economically competitive.
"I want to determine what they're doing as far as trade and incentives to help the people of New Zealand, and try to bring that model back to Wisconsin," Metzloff said.
With this new model, Metzloff plans to offer suggestions not only to the state, but also to the classroom. He hopes to find opportunities for international education, future internships for industrial manufacturing majors in New Zealand and general improvements in Platteville's technology education classes.
For more information, contact Metzloff at (608) 342-1142.
Contact: Kyle Metzloff, UWP Industrial Studies Department, (608) 342-1142, metzlofk@uwplatt.edu Written by: Ian Clark, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, clarki@uwplatt.edu
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