The job entry competencies of Stoughton High School graduates as perceived by local metal manufacturing industries and businesses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the current curricular content of the introductory metals manufacturing course reflects the needs of local businesses and industry in the city of Stoughton. The objectives of the study were to identify the entry-level metal manufacturing job/occupations available to high school graduates, identify the most important entry level personal characteristics, metalworking techniques and skills and processes. The study also set out to compare the current metals manufacturing course with the results of the study. The study was conducted by sending a survey to 24 heads of personnel at metal manufacturing related businesses and industries in the city of Stoughton. The list of subjects was obtained in an on-line yellow pages directory. The list of contact persons represented a cross section of the metal manufacturing sector. The subjects ranged from small welding businesses to large metal manufacturing companies. The results of the study determined that eighteen entry-level positions are available for Stoughton High School graduates in the metals manufacturing area. The study also showed that some entry-level personal characteristics, metalworking techniques and metalworking processes and skills are more important than others. Finally, the results indicated that the current metals manufacturing program is meeting the needs of local metalworking businesses and industries.