010 - Gene Sherman

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What is the secret for great invention ideas? Where can you go to find a community to help you innovate? If you're a techie (aka geek, smarty-pants, or red-hot genius), where can you find "your people"? We'll we answering these questions on today's podcast so download and listen in!

Vocademy is an idea that I have had for many years. A place that teaches real “hands-on” skills. Not just traditional shop skills, but a place that also teaches the most state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. A place open to everyone, of every age, 7-days a week. Open during hours when normal people can come and learn. With no barriers or bureaucracy. Then we add a “dream workshop” for those in the community that want to learn, build, create and become “Makers.” To bring back “shop class for everyone!”

I have witnessed the demise of hands-on skills in this country. Not for lack of people who want or need these skills and knowledge, but for lack of places to learn and use such skills. Many agree that once this country loses its ability to make and build things (with our own hands), we will have lost what made America great. Edison, Franklin, the Wright Brothers, Harley Davidson, Apple, HP and many others started in small workshops with basic tools. Many more Americans should have the same opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create their dreams. NOT just access to these tools, but proper and practical instruction to use them correctly and safely!

America used to have “shop” classes. Whether it was wood shop, metal shop, industrial arts or even art classes, it was a place for makers, inventors and dreamers. For those who wanted to use their hands, in addition to their minds. It was the place where kids found that they love to tinker, to take things apart and put them together. The starting place for the many people who love to to design, to build, and to create! Some were lucky enough to have a dad or an uncle that had a small workshop and were willing to share their know-how. But now these places are very rare, if not completely gone. For many, a personal workshop just an expensive dream. But many people still need and want these skills.

That’s why, with a lot of hard work, passionate people and determination, we created Vocademy – The makerspace. The place to learn and make anything!"

• Vocademy - http://www.vocademy.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocademyUSA
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/vocademy

Category: Makers & Innovators
Original Release Date: 11/20/14