LATROBE, Pa., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Eighteen students from Kennametal's Young Engineers Program in Latrobe, Pa., showed-off their engineering, manufacturing and marketing talents, presenting innovative products they invented as part of a class project for the program. Across four project teams, the students took an idea to market using Kennametal's product development process, taught as part of the class curriculum. The projects ranged from a solar-charging carry-on bag and spray-away snow removal to an all-terrain wheelchair and magnetic binding system for snowboards.
The 18 students from Greater Latrobe School District will graduate from the Young Engineers Program on Tuesday, May 14, joining 18 others who finished their semester in Solon, Ohio earlier this month. The program, backed by funding from the Kennametal Foundation, seeks to engage the interest of high school juniors and seniors in engineering and manufacturing careers, turning around outdated perceptions of industry to build a new generation of technical talent. The program has logged four semesters since its inception in 2011, in all graduating 103 participants in partnership with area high schools.
"We are continually amazed by the creativity, talent and promise these students demonstrate, all vital to the future of manufacturing," said Kennametal Chairman, President and CEO Carlos Cardoso. "We are encouraged by the increasing participation we are getting in this program, and its continued expansion. This hands-on curriculum provides an unforgettable experience educating young people about the exciting career opportunities our industry offers."
Throughout the experience, students engage in a combination of classroom discussions and hands-on projects at the company's high-tech facilities in Latrobe and Solon, while being mentored by Kennametal engineers and scientists, many of whom are renowned in industry.
The program is one of many programs the company provides in secondary and post-secondary education and training, including scholarships, apprenticeships, tuition reimbursement and institutional partnerships supported by Kennametal Foundation funding earmarked for technical education.
Celebrating its 75th year as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers seeking peak performance in demanding environments. The company provides innovative wear-resistant products, application engineering and services backed by advanced material science, serving customers in 60 countries across diverse sectors of aerospace, earthworks, energy, industrial production, transportation and infrastructure. With approximately 13,000 employees and nearly $3 billion in sales, the company realizes half of its revenue from outside North America, and 40% globally from innovations introduced in the past five years. Recognized among the "World's Most Ethical Companies" (Ethisphere); "Outstanding Corporate Innovator" (Product Development Management Association); and "America's Safest Companies" (EHS Today) with a focus on 100% safety, Kennametal and its foundation invest in technical education, industrial technologies and material science to deliver the promise of progress and economic prosperity to people everywhere. For more information, visit the company's website at www.kennametal.com.
SOURCE Kennametal Inc.
