Bosch Rexroth's (and 4451's) Mike Bryan Named Trainer of the Year

[Billfred]

Press release that hit my radar today:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bos...k=MW_news_stmp

FOUNTAIN INN, S.C., Dec 17, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mike Bryan, Training Specialist at the Bosch Rexroth Fountain Inn Manufacturing Facility, was named Trainer of the Year by the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC). The GACC Award recognizes outstanding German subsidiaries that demonstrate excellence in workforce training by fostering advanced skills and competence development, especially in young people. This year's award was presented to Mike Bryan on Dec. 16, 2013, in New York City in recognition of his involvement with the company's apprenticeship program.

In 2008, Bryan transferred to Rexroth's Fountain Inn facility from the Bosch facility in nearby Charleston, S.C., to implement the new apprenticeship program. To date, 769 apprentices have been trained by Bryan during his 32 years of experience in apprenticeship development. Bryan has been at Bosch for a total of 36 years.


As part of Bosch and Bosch Rexroth's investment in developing the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills of the next generation, the Fountain Inn two-year apprenticeship program, which Bryan oversees, allows engineering students to earn valuable on-the-job training and experience. The program consists of a fabrication shop, machine shop, sign shop, and engineering co-op programs. Through a partnership with Greenville Technical College, apprentices work at Rexroth's Fountain Inn facility and attend classes to gain advanced manufacturing skills. Upon completion of the program, students earn an apprenticeship certificate, opening up further avenues for professional development, including, for some, employment at Bosch.

In addition, Bryan is actively engaged in growing youth STEM programs in area schools and has volunteered more than 300 hours per year for the past 15 years. For example, Bryan started a high school team in Laurens County School District to participate in FIRST Robotics, a highly challenging, student-driven international robotics competition. The school district embraced the program, and it has now grown into additional FIRST teams for the middle and elementary schools.

The apprentice program also aims to support workforce development in the various communities in which Rexroth facilities are located.

"We're very pleased and honored that Mike Bryan's work and the accomplishments of the Apprenticeship Program at Fountain Inn have been recognized by the GACC," said Mike McCormick, Technical Plant Manager, Bosch Rexroth Fountain Inn facility. "This award is a tribute to Mike's dedication to help young people develop the skills that they - and Bosch Rexroth - will need for future growth in our rapidly changing economy.

"Manufacturing jobs - especially today's high-tech, well-paid manufacturing jobs - strengthen the foundation for vibrant, thriving communities," McCormick said. "The apprenticeship program, which provides on-the-job training that directly applies to what is taught in the classroom, has long been a model of success at Bosch. The training and apprenticeship initiatives that we've started in several communities help build the workforce of the future."

The GACC honors individuals committed to developing skills and competence, especially in young people, because Germany has the lowest youth unemployment rate of any industrialized nation in the world. Individuals are recognized who offer opportunities for youth to gain specialized technical skills, which significantly improve their job prospects, and provide companies with a powerful tool for filling workforce needs. The award ceremony was part of a presentation of the German American Business Outlook, an economic survey conducted by the German American Chamber network in several major U.S. cities.

About Bosch Rexroth:

Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, Factory Automation, and Renewable Energies to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, pneumatics, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 37,500 associates generated sales revenue of approximately 6.5 billion euros ($8.4 billion) in 2012.

To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com .

About Bosch:

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket solutions, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs nearly 24,600 associates in more than 100 locations, with consolidated sales of $10.6 billion in fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com , www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca .

He doesn't post here on CD, but Mike Bryan is one of a short list of people that can be considered The Man in South Carolina when it comes to FRC. He's been a part of the Palmetto Regional committee and several different teams, probably most notably 342 (Burning Magnetos) and 4451 (ROBOTZ Garage), and is no small part of why Bosch supports as many teams in South Carolina as they do. (For 2014, according to the FIRST site: 342, 3489, 4083, 4451, 4533, 4901, and 4965, and I can think of at least four others that have received support in the past.)

Congrats, Mike!

[D.Allred]

Billfred,
Thanks for posting the article on CD. This is well deserved recognition for Mike and his efforts in manufacturing training. Even at a presentation meant to honor Mike, he took the opportunity to push the mission of FIRST.

Congratulations Mike!

David

[HumblePie]

Billfred,

Thanks for posting. Mike has been a fixture in FRC in South Carolina, and is a true example of Gracious Professionalism, in every way possible. Well deserved, Mike!

[C_Morgan]

Congratulations Mike on this recognition!! It’s speaks volumes to his dedication and work with the apprentice program and FIRST Robotics. Well deserved indeed!

[hipsterjr]

I would call myself a former student of Mike's, but I continue to learn from him almost a decade after I first joined 342. I am thankful for all he has done for me and for not kicking me out of the shop the first week I was there. You deserve it!