Episode #37 - Bridging the Skills Gap Through Industry Partnerships

Patty Andersen is vice president of Human Resources and After Market Services at Minnesota-based Delkor Systems.  As co-owner of Delkor she has played a key role in guiding the company’s strategic vision and direction. Andersen has been very active with issues regarding workforce development.  She serves on the Foundation Board of Directors for Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves as an advisor for several other colleges. For the past four years she has chaired the Employee Development Committee for PMMI. On Jan. 1, 2020 Andersen became the first female in 87 years to be selected to lead her industry. For the next two years she will serve as Vice Chair of the PMMI Board of Directors followed by a two-year term as Chair of the Board beginning in 2022. Andersen earned her Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Minnesota in Economic Development. She is an avid skier and hiker and loves the outdoors.

Jeff Thorstad is an Automation Robotics Engineering instructor at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, MN.  He serves as the Department Chair for the Manufacturing areas in Eden Prairie.  Courses taught at Hennepin Technical College include courses in Mechanical Components, Electrical Systems, Robotics, Vision Systems, Programmable Logic Controls, and Pneumatic Systems.   Prior to teaching, Jeff spent 13 years in various roles in industry.  Jeff is also actively involved with helping companies develop employment pathways for students at Hennepin Technical College.