Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline
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A look inside the new Anduril facility. Photo: Andrew King/Axios
Autonomous weapons manufacturer Anduril is reaching into Central Ohio high schools and colleges to create a talent pipeline for its $1 billion facility.
Why it matters: The defense startup's massive Pickaway County plant — already producing drones — is one of the biggest economic development projects in Ohio history.
- And as war continues in Iran, its weaponry is in the spotlight.
State of play: At the facility's media unveiling last month, Anduril leaders said they're working with Pickaway County high schools and area colleges to shape curriculum and show a path toward manufacturing work.
- Eventually, the company plans to hire some workers straight out of high school.
The intrigue: Anduril has facilities in California, Colorado, Mississippi and Rhode Island, but this outreach is new.
- Rather than specialized engineers, many of its Ohio assembly workers will require minimal expertise and schooling.
- "This is a relatively new adventure for us, as a company," says COO Matt Grimm.
The big picture: Jobs that recruit high schoolers or those with associate degrees may not be huge earners, but working in Anduril's futuristic facility producing high-tech weaponry uniquely captures the imagination.
- Some of Pickaway County's largest employers are Sofidel and Georgia-Pacific — inspiring high school students to manufacture toilet paper can be a tough sell.
What they're saying: That's Anduril's real difference, Teays Valley Local Schools curriculum director Beth Keplar tells Axios.
- "They're bringing a California work environment to Ohio. I told our partners and other manufacturers in the region: This is going to push all of you. Kids are going to be attracted to this work environment over what you've been offering."
At the collegiate level, Columbus State Community College is in talks to integrate Anduril into its Modern Manufacturing Work Study Program, which combines classroom and on-the-job learning.
- CSCC similarly sees value in Anduril's buzz, says Scot McLemore, a former Honda executive who serves as VP of the Office of Talent Strategy.
- "Our challenge can still be informing people who are not in those pathways what the roles and competencies are and what the experience is. There's still a great need to connect the dots for younger people and their parents."
Between the lines: Most school partnerships don't involve weapons manufacturers, but schools aren't hearing much pushback as they work with Anduril.
- Keplar says she's "not sure people are 100% aware of what they do" just yet, but suspects residents simply "see it as American defense."
- "Our job is preparing students for the future, whatever they choose to do."
The last word: "We understand the product and we've talked about how working at Anduril may not be for everyone," McLemore says, noting that CSCC will let Anduril make their own pitch.
- "When they're ready to engage our students, we'll invite their appropriate representative to share that."