The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) was started in 2002 as a small, informal group of manufacturers, who met to discuss topics of interest and best practices among local manufacturers. Finding skilled workers was quickly identified as one of the top challenges for our manufacturers. Promoting rewarding careers in manufacturing became the core mission of the organization. In 2012, the AWT Foundation became a 501-(c)3 non-profit. Since then, the AWT Foundation now has 500+ manufacturing company, community organization, and school members all engaged in promoting rewarding manufacturing careers!
Watch below to learn more about AWT from founder and Board Treasurer Roger Sustar and AWT Board President and President of Fredon Corporation Alyson Scott.
Alliance for Working Together from INDUSTRIAL on Vimeo.
The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) is formed as a small, informal group of manufacturers, who meet to discuss topics of interest and best practices among local manufacturers. Finding skilled workers is quickly identified as one of the top challenges. Promoting rewarding careers in manufacturing becomes the core mission of the organization.
RoboBots is created as a high school combat robotics competition that allows high schools to partner with industry mentors to build a 15 lb. combat robot. The robots battle in competition at Lakeland Community College.
The industry partner provides financial assistance and mentorship to the high school students through the six to seven month robotic build process.
This program is used as a way for local manufacturers to mentor local talent. Many RoboBots participants go on to become innovators, pursue engineering degrees, and some students begin working for their company sponsor upon graduation.
The AWT Foundation becomes a 501-(c)3 non-profit allowing the organization to grow and fully realize the opportunities to impact Northeast Ohio with manufacturing training, STEM education, and community outreach.
Twenty years after the formation of AWT, the Transformation Training Center is built to house a world class hub for workforce development, industry, and Manufacturing training. The facility serves the region as a center for education and industry sector collaboration. The AWT Training Center addresses the gap in K-12 and adult new and incumbent worker training. This center provides the technically trained workforce area manufacturers need.
AWT celebrates the 15th Anniversary RoboBots competition with 39 teams from 19 schools competing in either RoboBots or JuniorBots divisions.
Another milestone is the 10th annual Summer Manufacturing Institute day camps held in June. Students from Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties participate in a week of STEM activities and experiences with local manufacturers. Mad Scientist camp highlights chemical manufacturing with through a food-related lens. RoboTech camp introduces students to basic robotics with hands-on projects.
