Bridging the gap between industry and education: Think Industry and Technology Project

According to former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, the top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010 didn't exist in 2004, we are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet. Regarding this context the authors' intent to explore the role for hands-on programs has important pillars for the development of a positive vision towards industry, engineering and future career development. The empirical part of this paper will be developed according to the case study approach methodology and grounded on the "Think Industry and Technology Project" (TITP), one hands-on program focused on experiencing, engineering and on entrepreneurial spirit. The authors will analyze and discuss the Technological Centre for the Metal Working Industry' (CATIM) experience as a member of Association of the Technological Centres of Portugal (RECET) in TITP. CATIM has this project running since 1995 and it has encompassed more than 50.000 youngsters with ages between 13 and 17 years old. The main objective for TITP is to develop a positive vision of the industry, engineering, employment opportunities and technical careers in the industrial sector, towards a sustainable and active citizenship. By other words, to promote "industrial literacy". The authors will centre on one experiencing activity - "This is an idea!" (Tiai) game. Tiai is a game intended to: (1) foster entrepreneurial spirit focused on innovation and sustainability, (2) to show the importance of brands and Industrial Property' (IP) rights, (3) to develop engineering competencies and skills grounded on school contents, (4) to make the bridge between industry and education. The importance of hands-on projects (e.g. TITP) and activities (such as Tiai) mixing engineering, technology, innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship as means for promoting the education for sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship spirit is explored in this paper and grounded on CATIMs' practical experience.