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PTDA welcomes members to the mountains |
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Written by PEM
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WHISTLER, BC–The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) held another successful Canadian conference recently here with more than 255 power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry distributors and manufacturers in attendance at the three-day event.
"The Canadian conference began as an idea in 2001. In subsequent years, we went from 70 people to this year's total," said Mary Sue Lyon, PTDA executive vice-president. "Our success with the Canadian conference is an indicator that it's a valuable event for PTDA members.
"We remain committed and determined to make the PTDA and its members the industry's channel of choice. In turn, this helps our members deal with and succeed in a changing PT/MC) marketplace. Our members continue to face a talent issue. And it's been a whirlwind year of activity for the PTDA Foundation. We need to speak to the young people. They will be the future of our industry."
The PTDA's Industrial Careers Pathway initiative continues to surge ahead in Canada. For example, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) will offer the Essentials of Industrial Distribution (MKTG 1150) program this fall (September to December). Registration is possible by visiting: www.bcit.ca/study/programs/6320acert.
This program is offered for students who wish or need to obtain an Industrial Marketing Associate Certificate by completing courses on a part-time studies basis. It enables students to pursue a BCIT credential, while maintaining daytime employment. Students can attend evening or weekend classes or study as an online learner.
"I'm impressed with the PTDA’s professionalism and its ability to address the issue of a lack of skilled workers," said Randy Singer of the BCIT. "Students can customize the courses put together by BCIT."
Down below
Steven P. Reid, EVP and CEO of Goldcorp Inc., said the current trends in the mining business include: new economics, global demand, lack of gold exploration, growth in sustainable development, application of technology and shortage of people. According to Reid, a lack of skilled workers will continue to be a major issue for the mining industry.
"We think about workforce readiness a great deal. We're seeing a real shortage of people in the mining industry, and there will be lots of opportunities for younger workers," said Reid. "The average age is 45 in our business. We're trying to encourage more young people to our company."
In motion
Randy Breaux, vice-president of marketing for Baldor Electric Company, said process and equipment automation is expected to continue to rise due to manufacturing desires to: improve efficiency and output, reduce labour costs and replace obsolete mechanical solutions with more versatile and stable equipment. According to Breaux, industrial manufacturing will continue to see more use of PLCs, Servomotors and Ethernet-based products.
The PTDA 2009 Canadian conference will be held on May 28-30, 2009 in Niagara Falls, ON. For more information, contact the PTDA at: tel: (312) 516-2100; email:
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; Web site: www.ptda.org.
www.ptda.org
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