Local company helps build more diverse workforce

A more diverse workforce that is ready to meet new technological challenges can be built by engaging the rising generation. 

That’s the message from John Glenski, president of Automation Plus in Cincinnati, who was a panelist on a Control System Integrators Association session about workplace diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Glenski discussed the company’s commitment to working with a diverse group of future engineers at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS). Glenski, UC CEAS advisory board member, leads Automation Plus, which is the automation, IT/OT and information division of the Plus Group of Cincinnati.

“Our team recognizes diversity in the workplace as a business strategy that maximizes employees’ productivity, creativity, and loyalty, while meeting our partners’ needs,” Glenski said. “We also recognize the benefits in a diverse work culture as adding value and an array of views when providing innovative solutions to our customer’s projects.”

Plus Group’s partnership with UC was born out of the company’s goal to expand diversity and inclusion within the manufacturing and engineering workforce. In addition to Glenski’s advisory role helping to shape the direction of the college, the partnership includes Plus Group’s engineers making regular visits and presenting guest lectures to UC engineering students and support of various college events. The company also hires UC interns through the cooperative education (co-op) program.

“If we as an industry want to see more diverse engineers who can lead complex and tech-heavy projects, we cannot limit training and development to just our existing workers. Working within higher education or the community itself to retain and foster new engineers who holistically understand these essential technologies is critical,” Glenski said. 

Read more and watch the video of the panel session featuring Glenski.