Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow

Johnson Controls mentors students on the future of work in a digital economy

Johnson Controls employees in Milwaukee recently engaged with local students to mentor them on the future of work in a digital economy. The MKE Hour of Code interactive session with fifth graders at Bader Hillel Academy focused on building automation systems, including Johnson Controls’ Metasys® BAS.

During the hour, students learned about the history of Johnson Controls and founder Warren Johnson's original patent for the thermostat. They also were introduced to an animation called “Mr. BAS,” who shared his thoughts about building automation systems. The fifth graders showed their creativity by designing their own “smart bedrooms” and building 3D models of Johnson Controls vans.

Eric Senn, vice president, Global Digital business development, Johnson Controls, serves as a board member on the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, which sponsored the event as part of Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 7-13.

The primary goal of the coalition is to double the tech workforce in southeastern Wisconsin by 2025 to help fulfill the tech talent requirements of employers as well as drive economic success and innovation in the region.

In order to accomplish that, the coalition wants students to understand the opportunities available in Milwaukee and see themselves as a valuable part of the #MKETech ecosystem. Tech is embedded in all of our key industries and has become a foundational skill set to stay competitive in the future of work.