21st Century Workforce Development Models in MN

21st Century Workforce Development Models in Minnesota: A Dialog on Best Practices and Experiences with Work-based Learning

Speakers:

• René Steiner, president, Bühler North America
• 2-3 speakers of labor union apprenticeship programs
• State Sen. David Senjem
• State Rep. Kim Norton

For business to succeed, you need the right people. Bühler Inc.’s North America President René Steiner takes that to mean that his company needs to identify and hire the right people when they're young.

Bühler is all about cutting-edge technology and consistent high quality. The company builds flour production plants, pasta and chocolate produc­tion lines, animal feed manufacturing installations, and aluminum die casting systems. In 2011, Steiner decided to address a looming shortage in his skilled workforce by creating a 3-year work-based training program. The Bühler Apprenticeship Academy is modeled on the Swiss and German workforce development system. It wins rave reviews from its young employees, their parents, business customers, and established company employees. Apprentices are paid as full time employees, receive college credit and benefits, and build comprehensive skills. Ten customer service engineers are currently in the pipeline.
 
Attend this conversation with CEO Steiner and Rochester area leaders to learn why Bühler chose to go the apprenticeship route and why the company believes its approach applies to other MN manufacturing companies.

• Walk away with new information on the economics of on-the-job training.
• Learn about why successful workforce development for the state involves strong partnership between K12 education/higher education, business, and labor.
• Develop a new appreciation for Minnesota’s successful apprenticeship approach in construction and trades.

 
The focus of this dialogue is on best practices and experiences in producing the skilled workforce our state needs to withstand global competition.
 
This dialogue is presented in collaboration with the University of Minnesota through its Center for German & European Studies.

René Steiner is president of Bühler North America. He has over 30 years of experience with Bühler and is deeply knowledgeable in engineering, sales, and executive management. The graduate of an apprenticeship program, Steiner also holds a degree in mechanical engineering. He has served as Bühler North America president since 2005. Other important roles at this global market leader include president of Bühler South Africa (1992-1997), president for Processed Food at Bühler Switzerland (1997-2001), and president for International Sales and Service Organization at Bühler Switzerland (2002-2005).