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by Jeff Hopkins, on 7/24/19 8:45 AM
A day at Swagelok gives them a real-world view of an engineer's work
"Among my activities was membership in the Boy Scouts; I rose each year through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and undertaking leadership roles in the organization."
- From Frederick Reines, winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physics
The Boy Scout motto of "be prepared" extends far beyond campsites and first aid techniques. So when Eagle Scouts in the Cleveland area express an interest in becoming engineers someday, Swagelok Company helps them prepare with an
inside look.
For over a decade, Swagelok Company has opened its doors to the Boy Scouts of America Lake Erie Council, giving Eagle Scouts a chance to connect with mentors to explore their interest in engineering. Swagelok made a 5-minute video showing its immersive Engineer-for-a-Day program (you can watch the video at the bottom of the blog).
Future leaders
Swagelok and the Boy Scouts have similar missions in their desire to develop leaders, says Steve Pasquale, senior program manager of Swagelok Company.
When they visit Swagelok, the Scouts learn about the tube fitting that launched the company, and the varied markets that we serve. They learn, for instance, what the semiconductor market values, and how that may differ in detail from what the oil and gas market is looking for.
Swagelok engineers talk about problem solving in the real world: about the design process, the strength of materials and manufacturability.
It's not all theory. The Eagle Scouts get to test out some materials and see when they break, then use that information to predict performance and work out some hypotheses. They also get to see the roles that are available in the design side of the business.
Steve Roninger, supervisor of high purity valves for Swagelok Co, says the Boy Scouts are a cut above the average. "They are always organized. They already come with teamwork in mind. They hang together. They are paying attention."
Those are the kinds of qualities that Swagelok values, and we're glad to be able to help nurture those qualities through our Engineer-for-a-Day program.
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