2017 Editorial Advisory Board: Ryan Pohl

Ryan Pohl, founder of Praeco Skills LLC, may be new to the editorial advisory board (EAB), but he is no stranger to MoldMaking Technology. He has shared his expertise over the years by contributing editorials about workforce development. Most recently, he has shared his wisdom in the Skills Center column, where he provides sound advice and effective strategies that are based on his award-winning classes, programs and methodologies for bridging the skills gap. 

Ryan has trained thousands of people in the skills they need for careers in advanced manufacturing. Some of the areas he speaks to include creating a detailed training plan, apprentice training, technical instruction, on-the-floor training, related technical instruction justification, effective leadership, and the value of performing training needs analysis.
As a journeyman CNC machinist and programmer, Ryan understands the challenges of developing people in a high-tech, fast-paced environment. In addition to his shop floor experience, he has teaching experience at both the high school and college level. He also holds advanced degrees in Manufacturing Tooling, Technical Education and Industrial Training & Development.

Ryan says he is proud to be an advocate for the skilled trades and is committed to doing his part to safeguard and cultivate the skills that are so essential to our country’s long-term stability. Now, part of that advocacy will be put to good use as he serves on MMT’s editorial advisory board. “The hardest part of what I do is getting people to understand that the skills shortage is mostly a cultural problem and can only be solved with systems and sound leadership,” he says, underscoring the fact that the United States has idealized “white collar” jobs so much that society believes working with one’s hands is a sign of failure or is somehow beneath our younger generation’s best and brightest. In his new role, Ryan will continue working to dispel this myth. He says he wants to bring more discussion on proper leadership to the pages of MMT in addition to topics like employee development and talent management.
When he’s not training or writing for MMT, Ryan enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also raises chickens, turkeys and sheep on his small hobby farm. Above all, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.