Spotlight

As the packaging and robotics industries evolve, fostering the next generation of talent is not just a strategy for success—it's a necessity. At the forefront of this commitment is BluePrint Automation (BPA), a PMMI member and leader in the field of packaging automation. BPA’s recent partnership with the FIRST Robotics Team LC Bird Robohawks marks an exciting step in its commitment to nurturing the future workforce and bridging the gap between education and real-world industry challenges.

This partnership is made even more impactful through the financial backing of the PMMI USkills Fund, which offers matching contributions to member companies like BPA, who are interested in building a pipeline of future industry professionals.By leveraging this support, BPA amplifies its investment in the future workforce, ensuring that students have access to resources that fuel their education and hands-on learning experiences.

“Without BluePrint's financial support last year (2024), our team would not have been able to compete at the World's FIRST Robotic Competition in Houston, TX. With only three weeks to prepare, we worried it was a long shot to secure the funding we needed. Their generosity, along with the PMMI sponsorship match, made it possible," shares Katy Clarke, a mentor with LC Bird. “We are excited about this growing partnership, which now includes a tour of BPA, support with machinery, and two BPA employees volunteering as team mentors."

The experience proved inspiring for the Robohawks, as Coach Aaron Haymans noted: “Seeing BPA’s customizable belt, polychord belting,suction mechanisms, and their practical use of gravity for design helped shape our ideas for this year’s design."

By combining BPA’s resources and mentorship with the PMMI USkills Fund, this partnership showcases the power of industry investment in the future workforce. It is a prime example of what can be achieved when industry leaders and educators collaborate to cultivate tomorrow’s skilled professionals.

Why Investing in the Future Workforce Matters

Tom Gregory,Talent Strategy Lead at BPA, highlights the significance of future workforce investment. "Investing in the future workforce is critical for BPA and the industry at large. It fuels innovation,addresses the skills gap, and ensures we're ready for what’s next. Developing talent in-house and investing in our local community strengthens employee loyalty and builds future leaders while keeping us competitive."

For BPA, investing in young talent is more than just a strategy—it’s a core part of their identity. By supporting robotics competitions, such as FIRST, BPA helps cultivate the skills and mindsets needed to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. "An investment into the future workforce is really an investment into our future growth," Gregory explains.

Engaging with Robotics Teams and Competitions

BPA’s involvement with robotics teams goes beyond financial sponsorship. Over the years, the company has built partnerships that include everything from parts fabrication to mentorship and even internships. This hands-on support provides students with real-world experience that complements their academic learning.

"Engaging in this way provides practical experience that complements theoretical knowledge," Gregory notes. "Through internships and partnerships with educational institutions, our interns can apply what they've learned in a hands-on environment, helping them understand the complexities of robotics manufacturing."

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Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry

One of the most significant challenges in the robotics industry is preparing graduates to meet the real-world demands of the workforce. Through BPA’s partnership with teams like the LC Bird Robohawks, students gain valuable exposure to the complexities of modern manufacturing,from meeting production demands to solving problems under pressure and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.

"By aligning academic learning with the real-world skills our industry needs, these engagements ensure graduates are better prepared to step into their roles," Gregory adds.

Initiatives like these empower robotics students to refine their skills and transition seamlessly into the workforce, ready to make an impact from day one.

Long-term Benefits of Partnerships with Robotics Teams 

BPA’s relationships with robotics teams have proven invaluable for talent acquisition and development. The company gains early access to passionate, skilled individuals while shaping their training and education. "Building relationships with robotics teams gives us early access to top talent," Gregory says. "It allows us to identify individuals who demonstrate real-world skills and ensures our new hires have the specific knowledge we need."

The additional financial contributions from the PMMI USkills Fund help expand the scope and reach of BPA's initiatives, allowing them to make a greater impact. By investing in the local community and fostering innovation through collaborative projects, BPA is creating a sustainable talent pipeline that will fuel the company’s growth for years to come.

The future is bright—invest in it today!

The results BPA is achieving through its partnership with the LC Bird Robohawks exemplify the transformative impact that industry leaders can have on the future workforce. PMMI members are encouraged to take full advantage of the PMMI USkills Fund, which is a top resource for helping PMMI member companies form meaningful partnerships with regional two- to four-year colleges, universities, technical schools, high schools, and other educational programs in your area.The PMMI U Skills Fund will match your company’s contributions of up to$50,000 per year to regional education programs of your choice.

By tapping into this resource, your company can foster the next generation of skilled professionals and develop a sustainable talent pipeline that ensures long-term success for both your business and the packaging industry.

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