DETROIT — The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan, the Michigan STEM Partnership and Technology in Motion announced that they have joined forces to create a STEM Career Showcase at the inaugural TIM Detroit conference and trade show.
TIM Detroit, scheduled for Sept. 6-8, will feature a STEM Village of exhibitors for the duration of the event, as well as STEM-focused speakers, panels and activities on Septn. 7 from 1 to 7 p.m.
“Careers in the STEM fields are the fastest-growing careers in the global marketplace and they’re also the most in-demand jobs in Michigan,” said Gary Farina, executive director at the Michigan STEM Partnership. “Partnering with MTAM and TIM Detroit on the STEM Career Showcase provides a real-world platform for the Michigan STEM Partnership and the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan to demonstrate exactly what it takes to prepare the next generation for careers in the automotive and technology fields.”
TIM Detroit is a three-day event co-produced by Crain Communications and MSX International toi explore the intersection of the automotive and technology industries, highlighting the rapidly growing interest in connectivity, autonomy, and mobility. TIM Detroit will include on-site events, product exhibitions, presentations and panel discussions featuring leading innovators in transportation and technology.
“It is not only critical that we engage students in a program like this to clearly demonstrate the opportunities and benefits of working in the automotive and technical industries and living in Detroit, but many of our sponsors, participants and exhibitors coming to TIM Detroit have a direct need for highly trained, technically skilled and creative workers,” said Dave Graff, senior vice president of global sales for MSX International, a Detroit-based consulting, training, and technology firm.
The STEM Careers Village will feature exhibits from companies seeking to increase awareness among students, parents, educators and career-changers on career opportunities in mobility and connected technologies, and the types of education and skills required to succeed in such careers. The STEM Career Showcase will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, videos from STEM professionals, interactive opportunities and more to increase enthusiasm about pursuing STEM-related careers.
Topics to be discussed during the STEM Career Showcase event include:
* How to find a STEM job in today’s marketplace
* Solving the STEM talent problem through diversity
* The STEM gender gap and how to close it
* The importance of STEM to Michigan’s economy
* Increasing the availability of STEM training
Said Linda Daichendt, MTAM executive director: “Skilled STEM talent is in exceptionally high demand – nationally, and in Michigan – particularly in fields associated with mobility and connected technologies. Studies have shown that Michigan will have a need for 100,000 additional people in these fields by 2020. Therefore, it is critical that we educate students and those seeking second or alternative careers about the lucrative, challenging and fulfilling career opportunities available to them once they’ve completed STEM-related training programs so they will make the choice to pursue these fields.”
Students from local universities and high schools will be given complimentary attendance for the STEM @ TIM event and will be invited to attend and participate in event demonstrations. They will also be able to view the TIM Pitch competition – where start-ups showcase their innovations to industry leaders – as well as the Hack-a-thon, which will challenge software experts to solve specific tasks. The TIM Pitch competition will take place starting at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 and continue into Sept. 7, when the winners are announced. The Hack-a-thon will take place throughout the event.
More about MTAM, the non-profit trade association for connected technologies in Michigan, at www.GoMobileMichigan.org. More about the Michigan STEM Partnership, a nonprofit formed to promote STEM education and training, at MISTEMPartnership.com. More about the TIM Detroit conference at TIMDetroit.com.