November - 20198 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSIN MY OPINIONBy Pete Cirak, Quality Assurance Director, Seal DynamicsWhether aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, or any other manufacturing industry requiring a highly skilled workforce, there seems to be one common challenge between all of them, finding highly skilled people. A week does not go by without hearing from a supplier or fellow manufacturer about how they had to no quote an RFQ because they lack the people to support the work, or how they purchased a new mill, but cannot hire anyone to operate it. In the current market of low unemployment, manufacturers often find themselves stealing employees from other manufacturers only to have them move onto the next manufacturer offering better pay. Manufacturers that wait until the moment they need to fill a position to engage the workforce development community are already too late. Manufacturers should regularly join their regional manufacturing associations, local educational institutions, and community career and workforce development offices.Regional manufacturing associations (RMAs) are dedicated to bringing value to their members. RMAs, composed primarily of volunteers from the local manufacturers, offers manufacturing companies a wealth of experience and networking resources. RMAs often hold workshops, seminars, expos, and other similar events that facilitate connecting manufacturers with the available workforce. These events will also provide insight into alternative solutions to resolving workforce shortages. Finding the RMA closest to your company is as easy as Googling "regional manufacturers association."A resurgence of apprenticeship programs is occurring across the U.S., and these programs need industry partners to succeed. Apprenticeships and internships are why it is essential for manufacturers to be engaged with their local high schools and colleges to help develop the apprenticeship curriculum, provide industry partners, and promote visibility within the community. Apprenticeships and internships are arguably the best approaches to creating a structured talent pipeline for a manufacturing company, yet few companies provide either opportunity. Apprentices and interns share their experiences with friends and colleagues, which provides a higher level of exposure to the available workforce for the companies that offered opportunities. Workforce Challenges
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