Black History Month is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and history of Black individuals and communities. Mastercam is honored to highlight the incredible impact of an individual, who has not only helped shape the manufacturing industry, but continues to be a driving force in the empowerment and education for the next generation of manufacturers.
This month, we are honored to highlight the impact of Ron Sizer, a prominent figure in manufacturing education. Join us as we recognize and celebrate Mr. Sizer’s journey, achievements, and influence in the field, driving awareness and fostering inclusion in manufacturing.
Ron’s Story
Ron Sizer’s experience in CNC machining spans over two decades, specializing in the Aerospace, Medical, and Defense sectors. Beginning his journey under the guidance of his father, he honed his experience before transitioning into education full-time in 2017. Now acting as Project Director of Advanced Manufacturing at the Community College of Philadelphia, Ron is dedicated to empowering the next generation of machinists, welders, and electromechanical professionals.
We had the privilege of speaking with Ron about his journey, the challenges faced by underrepresented communities, and the role of education in fostering diversity and inclusion in manufacturing.
How has education played a role in your journey and success within the manufacturing industry?
Education has played a crucial role in shaping my career in manufacturing, especially my experience at the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) in the early 2000’s. The GD&T course gave me a deeper understanding of technical prints and the specific details required for defense-related projects, which proved invaluable when I started working on Navy contracts. In addition to education, the teamwork skills I developed through playing sports have had a lasting impact on my professional life. My coaches taught me the importance of communication, collaboration, and leadership, which have all been essential in my ability to lead teams and work effectively with others in manufacturing environments.
What strategies or programs have you found most effective in empowering underrepresented communities through education in manufacturing?
In my experience, programs that focus on hands-on training and mentorship have the greatest impact in empowering underrepresented communities. For example, while teaching CNC Machining at Benjamin Franklin High School in North Philadelphia, I found that many students reached 10th grade without a solid grasp of core subjects like math and English. By using hands-on work in the machine shop, such as teaching tape measure and dial caliper reading, I was able to teach math in a practical way. The results were clear—CNC students became some of the best math students, which helped boost their confidence. As their confidence grew, we saw improvement in other core courses as well. After seven years at Benjamin Franklin, the CNC, Welding, and Maintenance students had the highest graduation rates.
Mentorship is equally critical. Being someone the students can look to for inspiration and guidance, someone who understands their culture and environment, this makes a huge difference. It’s about being there to listen, understand, and, most importantly, guide. When you combine mentorship with real-world opportunities, I’ve seen firsthand how these programs can create lasting pathways for success.
What do you believe are the biggest gaps in education or skills development for individuals pursuing manufacturing careers, and how can the industry address them?
For many Black communities, one of the biggest gaps in soft skills is the lack of a driver’s license. Many young people grow up relying on public transportation and don’t see the need to obtain a driver’s license. In many cases, their parents also don’t have licenses, and without a car in the family or the funds to afford driving school, obtaining a permit isn’t even a goal. This becomes a real barrier when it comes to searching for a job. Graduating machinists without a license have limited options on where they can work, especially since many manufacturing jobs are located in areas not easily accessible by public transit. High schools in underrepresented communities need to bring back driver’s ed programs to help close this gap.
When it comes to technical skills, the issue often comes down to resources. Keeping up with advancements in technology, especially in fields like automation and robotics, is a challenge for inner-city schools. Many of our students don’t have the opportunity to learn these skills, while schools in other areas have access to up-to-date modules and equipment. As a result, our students are at a disadvantage, fighting against these barriers just to compete with their peers for jobs in the manufacturing industry.
How has your own educational background influenced your approach to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the manufacturing sector?
My educational background has played a significant role in shaping my approach to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the manufacturing sector. As a Black man in America, I’ve experienced firsthand how education can either create opportunities or limit them, especially for people of color. Going to school in the suburbs, I never encountered challenges in accessing resources and opportunities. However, consistently spending time in the city with my family and friends allowed me to see that these resources were not available in their community. These experiences have made me passionate about ensuring that others, particularly from underrepresented groups, have access to the same educational opportunities I’ve had.
In my work, I focus on creating environments we call ‘safe spaces,’ where the Black community can feel comfortable lowering their guard, acknowledge their educational challenges, and rediscover the joy of learning. Manufacturing offers them this opportunity. I’ve been intentional about my approach, ensuring I provide hands-on training, guidance, and career advice to help bridge the gap in education and skill development.
For me, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion means actively working to break down barriers and create pathways for individuals who have been left out of the conversation. Whether it’s through recruiting, training, or providing job opportunities, I try to lead by example. I work hard in Philadelphia communities to spread the message, no matter your background you can succeed in manufacturing.
Who has inspired you throughout your career in the manufacturing industry, particularly in terms of leadership or innovation? Are there any individuals, podcasts, or video series, especially from diverse voices, that you turn to for inspiration or new ideas?
The biggest inspirations throughout my career have been my parents. My mother was one of the first Black nurses at Abington Hospital, and my father was the only Black machinist at Elkay Manufacturing at the time. Growing up, I had a front-row seat to their stories and struggles at the dinner table. Listening to the challenges they faced was an eye opener for me and my sister. They taught me early on about perseverance and the importance of pushing past barriers.
My father’s hobby was drag racing, his garage was a haven for machinists, welders, and car mechanics. It was there, working alongside him, that I fell in love with the trade, I learned not only technical skills but also the mindset to break barriers like they did. They always stressed the importance of education, and in my 20s, I realized just how much their lessons had shaped my life.
As far as motivation goes, nowadays I draw a lot of inspiration from Eric Thomas. His passion and energy are unmatched, and his words always inspire me to work harder and stay focused on my goals. He encourages me to never stop learning, to show up every day, and to keep striving for purpose-driven success.
Get Involved
At Mastercam, we have developed dedicated support resources for our team members, including Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which unite individuals with shared backgrounds, experiences, or interests. Led by employees on a voluntary basis, these groups aim to foster a sense of community and provide a platform for members to share what matters most to them.
Additionally, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) page on our corporate SharePoint page serves as an open channel for employees to provide their feedback at any time.
There is always more work to be done to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in the manufacturing industry, but across all industries. This month, we encourage our team members and community to take meaningful action in support of these efforts.
- Support Black-owned businesses in your community.
- Educate yourself on Black history and contributions to the manufacturing industry.
- Participate in mentorship and educational initiatives that empower underrepresented groups.
- Attend industry events and workshops focused on diversity and inclusion.
Educational Resources
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): Celebrating Black History Month
U.S. Small Business Administration Programs & Resources: Celebrating Black History Month: SBA Programs and Resources | U.S. Small Business Administration
Events: Black History Month 2025
For Teachers: Black History Month 2025
