There's a defect in Andrew, because he's developed a capacity for emotional attachments and though he follows the first law of robots (Obey your masters) he nevertheless isn't just another bot. The sad part of being a robot is that you outlive the families you serve, and Andrew's span of years is two centuries in this film.
The story is about Andrew's quest to become human. Part of this involves future developments in prosthetic organs and limbs.
What's intriguing is how over time there are fewer and fewer mechanics who can do the repair work Andrew desires. After much searching he finds Rupert Burns, an old school tinkerer and technician. Burns becomes a handy asset for Andrew as he gets "worked on" with new body parts.
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I share this because as we look in the the future, there is going to be a need for skilled hands-on mechanics to take care of the millions of vehicles we drive. Currently there are roughly 36 million trucks on the road today. According to the American Trucking Association there are close to a half million interstate freight carriers. (Big shout out to all the truckers transporting Covid vaccines around the country in a timely fashion.) 75 percent of our trucks, and 97 percent of our interstate transport rigs are diesel powered.
Do you like puzzles and problem solving? Engines can be fascinating? Do you like working with your hands? Do you like the feeling you get when you have skills that are essential to the future of the economy?
According to Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the following skills are important for a career as a diesel mechanic or technician:
1. Attention to Detail (ability to focus)
2. Communication Skills
3. Technical Knowledge
4. Problem Solving
5. Desire to Succeed
For those with an entrepreneurial drive, there can be still wider horizons after you have laid a foundation with several years of experience and a good mentor.
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This blog posted was prompted by an article I read about a new diesel technology center that has opened in Oregon.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for diesel technicians and mechanics is expected to continue growing over the next ten years. A college education is not for everyone. You might only end up with a piece of paper and $25,000 in debt. There's dignity in a career in the trades. As with everything else, you can never tell where it will lead.
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Related Links
Fixing the Economy Begins by Fixing Our Workforce l
Looking for a Career? 10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic
Interview Tips for Diesel Mechanics
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Diesel has long been the powertrain of choice for commercial vehicles and heavy machinery of all kinds. But it was once also hailed in many countries as an excellent choice for achieving greater fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions in ordinary passenger cars.
ReplyDeleteHowever, diesel’s reputation suffered serious blows from concerns over the pollutants diesel engines emit and from the Volkswagen diesel test cheating scandal that rocked the automotive world. Now, many governments and automakers are promoting electric and hybrid vehicles for efficiency, performance and emissions reduction.
Yet diesel advocates see opportunity. The industry has stepped up the development of technologies that reduce harmful pollutants. Diesel vehicles now can run either partially or entirely on renewable fuel from organic waste. And diesel powertrains can be used along with electric motors to make diesel hybrids.
Diesel never took off in passenger cars in the United States the way it did in the Europe, but it has found a place in some characteristically American segments — pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles.
All three Detroit automakers offer diesel options for consumers, offering half-ton full-size pickups for the first time in years. There are diesel versions of midsize pickups and SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and the Jeep Wrangler.
Industry executives say the future is electric, but that may take time. Companies bet consumers will want other solutions along the way, even ones, such as diesel, which have been around for more than a century.