OrthoWorx Kicks Off Study to Guide Workforce Development Efforts

OrthoWorx has rolled out the OrthoWorx Future Orthopedic Resources Gap Evaluation (FORGE) study, which, according to the group’s leadership, will serve as a cornerstone for OrthoWorx talent and workforce development plans, working with its University-Industry Advisory Board (UIAB).
 
The study is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of October.
 
Warsaw, Ind.-based OrthoWork was formed in 2009 with initial funding from the Lilly Endowment. It is a community-based initiative that works strategically and collaboratively with the orthopedic industry, life-sciences partners and regional stakeholders to advance the orthopedic industry. OrthoWorx advances its mission though five initiatives: education and workforce development; community enhancement; innovation and entrepreneurship; transportation and logistics; and branding and awareness. 
 
Ensuring that Indiana universities produce graduates with the required level and type of skills is critical to the long-term success of the significant orthopedic economic cluster located in northern Indiana, OrthoWorx officials claim. The FORGE study will identify unmet needs for education, talent and skills based on current needs, expected retirements and projected changes in the medical device business in the future.
 
“This study is essential to understanding the current and anticipated talent and skills shortages and bringing clarity to the workforce, education and industry stakeholder conversations for the Warsaw region’s growing medical device industry, including original equipment manufacturers and the supplier network. Working through our UIAB members, we will develop strategies and programs with our industry and academic members to address those challenges,” said Sheryl Conley, OrthoWorx president and CEO.
 
Randy Kilburn, vice president, North America marketing, DePuy Synthes Companies (a division of Johnson & Johnson) and UIAB industry co-chair, stated: “The FORGE study is a proactive step to ensuring talent for the future. We anticipate that this study’s findings will lead to great opportunities for the orthopedic industry and Indiana universities to work together to ensure a talent pipeline for the industry’s continued and future success.”
 
Earlier this year OrthoWorx announced that its board of directors committed up to $475,000 to fund The Talent Development Initiative, of which the FORGE study is a key element. The Talent Development Initiative is a series of programs designed to improve workforce development in Indiana by improving the attraction and retention of students from key Indiana colleges and universities.
 
Bob Bernhard, vice president for research at the University of Notre Dame and the UIAB academia co-chair, said: “Life-sciences and medical device industries are continuously evolving and require new skills and talent. The OrthoWorx UIAB Talent Development Initiative is a win-win. The FORGE study results will be a valuable asset to the UIAB academic members in offering novel educational and experiential learning programs with excellent placement opportunities that address the needs that will be identified. The UIAB industry members have the opportunity to interact with and attract well prepared talent from Indiana colleges and universities.”
 
“We will be sharing more about these major initiatives as they advance,” said Conley.