We noticed this article by Larry Fast in IndustryWeek earlier this month and, even though its publication is well past Manufacturing Day, Mr. Fast’s strong opinions about “We Must Do More to Promote Manufacturing as a Rewarding Career Path” hits a nerve with us. As all our readers know, we’ve dedicated our Search Practice to the Manufacturing Industry since opening in 1976. The changes we’ve witnessed in technologies, innovation, management tools, and styles have been incredible.
As optimistic as we are about the dynamic inventions and businesses springing up from incubators. We are certainly saddened by the loss of manufacturing jobs in the communities we serve. That being said, we are proud of the manufacturers who have not only survived recessions and LCC competition, but are prospering. They have great stories to tell that should be inspiring our youth to consider career paths in manufacturing.
We constantly hear from companies that its not just the professional-level talent they need, but skilled trades and Production Operators. Often, they’re forced to demand overtime hours from their employees knowing full-well that there’s a risk those employees will “burn-out” and leave. A risk mitigated if only they could hire and train more employees.
Mr. Fast pleads with business Owners and Managers to partner with Community Leaders, local schools, and service organizations to plant seeds early with our youth to show that careers in manufacturing are stable and honourable. While his points of reference are American, again his ideas hit a nerve with us. Maybe we can all try harder and do more to fill the vacancies at our local factories.
Enjoy the Article! ~ Jim Fairfax
We Must Do More to Promote Manufacturing as a Rewarding Career Path. Here’s How.
