Author PicAuthor Pic
Catherine “Cat” Ross
Director of Community Engagement

Catherine Ross is a manufacturing advocate and future of work evangelist. As the Director of Community Engagement, Cat spearheads AMT/IMTS's community outreach programs with the goal of strengthening connections among members and industry stakeholders through strategic initiatives, and a robust engagement with targeted industrial communities. In her 15 years in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed national education programs, STEM advocacy events, and CNC skills competitions, liaised with Department of Defense and Veterans workforce programs, and managed federal contracts and grants focusing on apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. She currently sits on the Board of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation and was previously named to Manufacturing Engineering Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List.

Catherine Ross is a manufacturing advocate and future of work evangelist. As the Director of Community Engagement, Cat spearheads AMT/IMTS's community outreach programs with the goal of strengthening connections among members and industry stakeholders through strategic initiatives, and a robust engagement with targeted industrial communities. In her 15 years in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed national education programs, STEM advocacy events, and CNC skills competitions, liaised with Department of Defense and Veterans workforce programs, and managed federal contracts and grants focusing on apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. She currently sits on the Board of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation and was previously named to Manufacturing Engineering Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List.

Posts by Catherine “Cat” Ross
Intelligence
By Catherine “Cat” RossJul 15, 2024

AMT Member News

The manufacturing technology community’s source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments among AMT members. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your colleagues.

3m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJun 28, 2024

The Manufacturing Technology Classroom of the Future Comes to Life at IMTS Student Summit

As today’s youth shows an increasing interest in skilled trade and technical careers, the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024 is an immersive experience designed to inspire students to seek a career pathway in manufacturing.

4m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossMay 31, 2024

Fab Labs Give Kids First-Hand Experience with Manufacturing Technology

Wisconsin's Fab Lab Grant Program funds school districts to purchase advanced manufacturing technology. Since 2015, it has provided $4.5 million to 118 districts.

5m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossMar 21, 2024

Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024 Enables Students To See Themselves in a STEM Career

For a view of the STEM classroom of the future  and to learn about careers available today,  educators, school administrators, students, and parents can visit the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024, which runs Sept. 9-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

7m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJan 30, 2024

Manufacturing Opportunities for the Blind

A small manufacturer in North Carolina doesn’t have a labor shortage problem because it taps into an often-overlooked workforce: the visually impaired. Learn how IFB Solutions trains and employs people who are blind for manufacturing and assembly work.

4m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJan 15, 2024

How One Manufacturer Embraces Disabilities in the Workplace

Today’s manufacturing technology makes it easier for companies to hire more people with disabilities, a talent pool of more than 10.7 million people. Learn how GenMet reduced barriers for people in wheelchairs and with intellectual disabilities.

4m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossDec 04, 2023

Playtime Comes FIRST

It’s play time! FIRST Robotics teams from Milwaukee-area high schools teamed up to adapt toys for kids with disabilities. Using the technical skills developed in FIRST Robotics, the teens are making play time accessible for all.

5m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossNov 16, 2023

Apprenticeship Successes at AMT Member Companies

To help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, AMT and IMTS are shining the spotlight on three equipment manufacturers training the workforce of the future through their apprenticeship programs: Okuma, Schunk, and United Grinding.

7m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossSep 27, 2023

Embracing the Skills of Individuals with Autism for Machining

Manufacturers tap into hidden talent by hiring people with disabilities, like The Uniquely Abled Project, connecting autism spectrum individuals with machinist roles.

7m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossAug 30, 2023

Sprinting Toward Success: M4M Raised $17.5K

By walking, running, and biking in the Miles for Manufacturing 5K, leaders at The MFG Meeting 2023 raised more than $17,500 to fuel the future of manufacturing education.

5m read