Service Technician Student

Meet Jennifer Garry — a service technician at Delkor Systems.

Few women choose to enter the world of manufacturing and engineering. But Jennifer Garry rose to the challenge and was the only woman in her college classes and, until last November, was the only woman in the service area of her current company, Delkor Systems. Delkor designs and manufactures end-of-line automated packaging systems.

"It was very intimidating being the only female," Garry explained. "It was a good group of guys though and it’s ended up being a really good experience."

Working in the service area at Delkor Systems wasn't the first time Garry was the only female manufacturer. Garry studied robotics at Central Lakes College and, upon entering her first engineering class, realized she was one woman among many men. “I wasn't sure if I would be good enough or if I was going to be able to handle all the work they do, but once I got to know everyone and they knew I was capable of things, it was fine,” said Garry.

Garry said a lack of interest by women probably attributes to the reason there are so few women who work in the manufacturing and engineering industry. "We have robots that are built to move 1,000 pounds, nine feet per minute, and guys look at that and think that's awesome," Garry said. "I think most girls would be afraid of that kind of thing."

Even though Garry was one of the only women in her college classes, she credits her alma mater and 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence for getting her excited about manufacturing and engineering through the hands-on training and problem-solving knowledge she received.

Garry said without the opportunity to work on the equipment she and other graduates had access to, she wouldn't be prepared for the competitive industry of manufacturing. The center provides funds to its partner institutions to purchase equipment so students are prepared for the workforce.

Ken Sullivan, marketing director at Delkor Systems, agreed. He said the industry needs a steady influx of trained technicians who have a good basic knowledge of robotics and mechatronics to work on the machinery.

"We have a broad range of machinery and that requires a diverse skill set to work here," Sullivan said. "Our experience has been that students who have been in contact with industry professionals and received hands-on experience are very skilled, not only in the mechatronics, but in their communication skills."

"Students with good communication skills can interact with other employees and expand their capabilities within the company," Sullivan said. That wide range of skills can also transfer into training customers and writing training materials. "We bring in interns initially that have a good base understanding of mechatronics and robotics," Sullivan said. "Once they get here, we can develop them and direct them in the areas that are conducive to our needs, as well as their own personal interests."

Delkor Systems is just one of many manufacturing businesses looking for the best and most experienced graduates. Sullivan said many places are eagerly awaiting applications from people qualified to work in the field. "I don’t think we could survive without a resource of the magnitude of 360° because of their skills and proven ability in developing the kind of talent that we need that we couldn't find any place else."

Source: "Transforming Lives" booklet from 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, reprinted with permission