With my study into the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers that spanned five years, I discovered a few things along the way. The observations started in 2015 by investigating ways to spark interest in manufacturing careers. I published a 4-page article on my career, and it was promoted by three manufacturing magazines. I also assisted my local youth apprentice program by creating a testimonial video for them. I participated in a career fair and only 1% of the students were engaged in manufacturing. I then decided to observe the industry. Here are my findings into how we can overcome the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers:

• Create a Platform in Schools for Manufacturing

  • By adding a platform in high schools for manufacturing, we can increase awareness of the manufacturing industry.

• Evaluate the Structure of Shop Tours

  • Students need clarification, understanding, and follow-up when they have shop tours. In many cases they may have never seen a manufacturing facility before and may be overwhelmed.

• Collaborate Locally

  • Encourage the industry to communicate, collaborate, connect and do it on a consistent basis.

  • Contact youth apprentice program leadership, apprenticeship program leadership, local school leadership, local school teachers, local career and technical education (CTE) teachers, local businesses and local competitors also, Society of Manufacturing Engineers local chapter, technical college leadership, technical college instructors, city, county, and state leadership, local economic development platform leadership, local STEM program leadership, other industry trade associations

• Employee Training Is Needed

  • Companies should consider frequently offering training for their employees, so they can succeed.

• Make Career Skills Information Available

  • Make soft and hard skills information available on a 24/7 platform.

• Review Wages for an Increase

  • By reviewing and possibly increasing wages for skilled manufacturing jobs, it will assist in retaining the workforce and it will attract new talent to the industry.

• Build a Great Company Culture

  • By building a great culture within the company it will help attract new talent to the company. Perks like profit sharing, lunches, and tuition reimbursement can help build a great culture.

• Find the Right Shop to Work In

  • It is important to find a manufacturing facility that is the right place for you to work in. Not every shop is for everyone, so I encourage you to ask many questions when you interview for jobs.