If you work in the manufacturing industry there is a good chance you have seen firsthand how the skilled manufacturing worker shortage affects your job. When there are more people retiring and less new people coming into the field, it can have negative effects on the industry. I have looked into the worker shortage crisis since 2015, and I came up with a phrase to help fix the shortage, “We Must Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, on a Consistent Basis”. I call it the 4-Cs of manufacturing.

Communication – We must find ways to communicate with the younger generations about career opportunities in manufacturing. These opportunities are highly technical jobs that can pay well. Consider providing guidance on the types of jobs available in the industry, while showcasing the potential for career growth and advancement.

Collaborate - Another consideration is we must now communicate with others that are facing the same worker shortage problems and collaborate with them on finding solutions to the problem.

Connect – By reaching out on social media and connecting with others in the industry that are facing similar challenges, we can begin to collaborate with each other on ways to work together to solve the problem.

Consistent Basis – By keeping up the communication, collaboration, and connecting on a consistent basis we can start to close the employment gap within our unique situations in our communities. In other words, network with others and find industry partners while increasing outreach to communicate with the younger generations.