Catherine “Cat” Ross
Director of Community Engagement Catherine Ross is a manufacturing advocate and future of work evangelist. As the Director of Community Engagement, Cat spearheads AMT/IMTS's community outreach programs with the goal of strengthening connections among members and industry stakeholders through strategic initiatives, and a robust engagement with targeted industrial communities. In her 15 years in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed national education programs, STEM advocacy events, and CNC skills competitions, liaised with Department of Defense and Veterans workforce programs, and managed federal contracts and grants focusing on apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. She currently sits on the Board of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation and was previously named to Manufacturing Engineering Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List.
Catherine Ross is a manufacturing advocate and future of work evangelist. As the Director of Community Engagement, Cat spearheads AMT/IMTS's community outreach programs with the goal of strengthening connections among members and industry stakeholders through strategic initiatives, and a robust engagement with targeted industrial communities. In her 15 years in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed national education programs, STEM advocacy events, and CNC skills competitions, liaised with Department of Defense and Veterans workforce programs, and managed federal contracts and grants focusing on apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. She currently sits on the Board of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation and was previously named to Manufacturing Engineering Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List.
Posts by Catherine “Cat” Ross
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossMar 21, 2024
Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024 Enables Students To See Themselves in a STEM Career
For a view of the STEM classroom of the future and to learn about careers available today, educators, school administrators, students, and parents can visit the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024, which runs Sept. 9-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJan 30, 2024
Manufacturing Opportunities for the Blind
A small manufacturer in North Carolina doesn’t have a labor shortage problem because it taps into an often-overlooked workforce: the visually impaired. Learn how IFB Solutions trains and employs people who are blind for manufacturing and assembly work.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJan 15, 2024
How One Manufacturer Embraces Disabilities in the Workplace
Today’s manufacturing technology makes it easier for companies to hire more people with disabilities, a talent pool of more than 10.7 million people. Learn how GenMet reduced barriers for people in wheelchairs and with intellectual disabilities.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossDec 04, 2023
Playtime Comes FIRST
It’s play time! FIRST Robotics teams from Milwaukee-area high schools teamed up to adapt toys for kids with disabilities. Using the technical skills developed in FIRST Robotics, the teens are making play time accessible for all.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossNov 16, 2023
Apprenticeship Successes at AMT Member Companies
To help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, AMT and IMTS are shining the spotlight on three equipment manufacturers training the workforce of the future through their apprenticeship programs: Okuma, Schunk, and United Grinding.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossSep 27, 2023
Embracing the Skills of Individuals with Autism for Machining
Manufacturers tap into hidden talent by hiring people with disabilities, like The Uniquely Abled Project, connecting autism spectrum individuals with machinist roles.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossAug 30, 2023
Sprinting Toward Success: M4M Raised $17.5K
By walking, running, and biking in the Miles for Manufacturing 5K, leaders at The MFG Meeting 2023 raised more than $17,500 to fuel the future of manufacturing education.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJul 27, 2023
Moving Up in 3D
Meet more women who are making manufacturing move. This time, we’re focusing on additive manufacturing and meeting women who fell into the industry by chance and are now changing what’s achievable.
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJun 23, 2023
Mind the Gap: Diversify, Partner, & Modernize
The 2023 MFG Meeting provided a unique opportunity for manufacturing technology companies to address the industry-wide concern about the skills gap, education, while talent experts discussed the importance of filling and retaining skilled labor through...
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJun 02, 2023
But FIRST, Robots
AMT recently hosted our first-ever Tech Invitational competition at our McLean, Virginia, headquarters. If you’re interested in checking out your community’s local talent, consider hosting an event like this with your local FIRST or other STEM programs.
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