Michelle: So I know we met a few months back and I got to hear a little bit more about your story, but can you start off by telling our listeners a little bit more about your work?

Rodrigo: Of course. So I work for MXD USA. It's a manufacturing times digital. That's the acronym for that. And we are a Chicago based organization and we're dedicated to enhancing US manufacturing through technology innovation or course development and also preparing companies for cybersecurity readiness. We were established in 2014. Back then we were known as DMDII. And it is part of the manufacturing USA network of institutes. So we're one of the first ones that stood up back then. We have a partnership with the Department of Defense.

We also operate a 22,000 square foot innovation center, or as we like to call it, a future factory form. And so we're located in downtown Chicago and at the future factory, you can find features such as advanced manufacturing equipment and demonstrations. And the facility, the area kind of serves as a testbed for digital manufacturing technologies and also workforce training and cybersecurity demonstrations. And yeah, we also collaborate with a range of partners through our ecosystem. And that includes manufacturers, solution providers, educational institutions and government agencies to kind of drive that digital adoption and innovation in manufacturing.

Michelle: A lot of exciting stuff going on. So for manufacturers who are looking to recruit more people, could you give us a little advice on what you think might help?

Rodrigo: When it comes to manufacturing, I think it usually comes with a stigma, especially from the younger generation, because they tend to think about back then, how manufacturing was kind of tough, it was kind of dark, and it was very hands-on and a little dangerous at times. And I think for manufacturers, I think nowadays that has changed how manufacturing actually operates from day to day. So I think highlighting kind of what the innovations are at a manufacturer and also sharing what these careers are day to day because I would I would say it's probably emphasize on the on the impact of these careers and how they contribute to sustainability, community involvement, and also how it helps to innovate technology. That's one of the one of the key things I would like to share.

And also, and kind of promote just continuous improvement as well. I think a lot of young engineers are coming out of college are looking to see how these careers will help them develop professionally and what that career path will where it'll take them. Definitely a lot of exciting things to talk about there for sure.