Michael Taylor, Apprenticeship & Training Manager, US
Always thinking out of the box
Michael Taylor, Apprenticeship & Training Manager, US
Always thinking out of the box
“I started my career with Bühler as a welder in 2001. In 2014, I took up my current position as Apprenticeship & Training Manager when we initiated the apprenticeship program at Bühler Raleigh. In this role, I manage all aspects of the apprenticeship program at Bühler Raleigh, from recruitment to mentoring and welding training to name a few. I work hard to facilitate, coach and expose the apprentices to as many aspects of our company as possible.”
Learning is a two-way street
“I work with each apprentice in mentoring and communications during their transition from school to the working world. We spend a lot of time learning to work as a team and respecting our differences.
Today, these young adults are very knowledgeable about technology and they are able to absorb a lot of information quickly. They love to be challenged. Where I am able to provide the greatest assistance is in the areas of using your hands and also effective communication. Face to face communications are not always their strength and we spend a lot of time working on the impact they can make in person.
Our apprentices open my eyes to new ways of thinking. I am always having to learn and rethink the way I work with new apprentices. They look at everything from the angle of no experience, so they constantly are learning new things. This also allows us to think out of the box all the time, creating new ways of doing things, of producing, and of treating each other. Many people with experience keep doing jobs the same way they always have because that is the way they were taught and how they have always done it. Young adults will challenge your old routines and encouraging you to think of new ways of getting things done.”
Many people with experience keep doing jobs the same way they always have because that is the way they were taught and how they have always done it. Young adults will challenge your old routines and encouraging you to think of new ways of getting things done.
Michael Taylor,
Apprenticeship & Training Manager, US
Ready for digitalization
“As we continue to increase technology and flexibility of work places, meeting face to face sometimes is difficult. We need to continue to find creative ways of coming together in positive ways and communicate openly to address the challenges ahead. I believe that these basic skills will gain even more importance as digitalization continues to affect our everyday lives. When it comes to digitalization in the workplace, I’m not worried that it will cut jobs if you’re willing to learn new ways of doing things. At the end of the day, digitalization is just a tool, and we have to evolve as well.
The apprenticeship model is ideally suited to prepare the next generation for the challenges to come and is a great way of broadening our horizon. I’m closely monitoring the growth and acceptance of the Swiss apprenticeship model here in the United States and I’m glad that I’m able to do my part in continuing this long-standing Bühler tradition.”
