Celebrating the value of technical learning

It’s almost been nine years since launching Cummins Technical Education for Communities (TEC) in Beijing, China. Although the program is well established and learning and activities have taken place over the years, COVID-19 brought about challenges with face-to-face learning, internships and community partners interacting.

With restrictions lifted this year, it was the perfect opportunity for the Cummins TEC Beijing team, Cummins leadership, vocational school educators, students and community leaders to gather for a “relaunch” celebration, “on the job” interviews with students as they traverse through internships and a coffee talk exchange.

Recognizing achievements

The festivities kicked-off at Beijing Polytechnical School on the first day in-person classes resumed in April with Wang Ning, Vice President and Vice Chairman, Cummins China, welcoming attendees:  “The goal of TEC is to train low-income youth in employable technical skills and connect them to good jobs in their communities, strengthening the communities where Cummins operates. Students are empowered through school-based, industry-supported skills training. We are very proud of the success of TEC Beijing and the valuable support from all involved.” Ning further shared Cummins’ rich history and innovative business, its culture of diversity and the importance of corporate responsibility as one of Cummins’ core values.

Next on the agenda was the school board echoing their appreciation of the dedication and benefits Cummins TEC Beijing brings to the community, highlighting the program’s effective five-element framework: market relevant skills, quality curriculum, effective teachers, career guidance, and workplace & classroom learning.

Demonstrating technical knowledge

Following the speeches, student winners of an Engine Skills Competition were recognized for their hard work by Shen Xianbo, Cummins Director, East Asia Distribution Business Unit, Service System & Capability and TEC Beijing sponsor: “I applaud these students for their dedication, creativity and achievements. This program brings so much technical knowledge and skill to not only the students and our local communities but to the world at large.”

The competition was designed to measure the students’ hands-on performance with Cummins engines, donated at the launch of TEC Beijing. With 85 students competing, the three-day event involved a service tools usage challenge, including engine disassembling, cylinder head measuring and troubleshooting. Students had to complete all tests within a limited time. Those fastest, with the required accuracy, won.

Hans Xin, one of the students, gave a thankful speech on behalf of the winners, followed by loud applause for the teachers supporting the program. Diane Ren, one of the female students who currently take up less than 5% of the overall enrollment, stepped out and shared her thoughts and experience from her school life, expressing appreciation of the Cummins’ engine MRC (Master Rebuild Center) tour in the Yizhuang District she recently experienced. Ren conveyed her hope to visit additional offices and factories in the future, looking forward to more out-of-classroom technical training.

Planning for the future

Following the formal program, a meeting was held with school leaders and TEC Beijing. Naru Liu, Cummins TEC Beijing Manager, summarized the program footprint over the years, exchanged opinions with the school on focused areas and shared work plans for 2023. “It’s very rewarding to know that we are aligned with our efforts,” said Liu. “Both Cummins and the school are devoted to advanced curriculum development in new technologies and digitalization, hiring qualified teachers in international skillset enhancement, promoting female leadership experience sharing and developing career roadmaps.”

Then came the most fun part of the event – coffee talk. Xianbo warmed up participants with an engaging Q&A session where students responded freely, expressing their perspectives and ideas about how to move TEC forward. Ning talked about gender equality and inclusivity, emphasizing the need to eliminate unconscious biased behaviors in daily lives. Some suggestions from the students on future program enhancements included: role model technician visits, hydrogen technology learning and an office day whereby students can “walk out of the classroom” to gain real experience of how it feels to work as an employee. Complementing their technical skills, students have expectations to develop their employability skills such as communication, conflict management, and time management. An office day also provides exposure to Cummins activities and programs like Youth Days, Cummins Powers Women, and various diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Collaborating is key

“At the end of the day, it’s the students’ voices and the global community’s well-being that we strive for,” says Liu. “It takes synergy with those involved to fulfill our mission. This event was a great way of bringing new energy to the program and reinforced the fact that together, we are better.”

Cummins TEC Program is located in 26 schools across 12 countries. To date, over 3,000 students have completed the program with over 10% being female. 83% of all the graduates have either obtained good jobs or continued their education. And, some graduates are even returning to teach or providing resources for scholarships to help others!