T ariffs . Rising raw material prices . The frantic pace of new technology . Throw in a global pandemic for good measure and Michigan manufacturers face a number of tough challenges . Chief among them : the skilled labor shortage .
It ’ s an issue that ’ s been plaguing our industry for years and the reasons are many . Highly skilled baby boomers continue to retire . Fewer kids in schools and in career and technical education ( CTE ) programs . These factors alone would be hard to overcome and , in most sectors , business continues to grow .
But , for manufacturing , there are also deep-seated cultural forces at work in our country exacerbating the uphill battle — from antiquated perceptions of what a modern career in manufacturing can be , to a fundamental shift ( at home and in schools ) making digital devices the primary tools that our kids hold in their hands .
Fortunately , Michigan ’ s industry is responding . With typical smarts , resilience and resourcefulness , dynamic companies all over the state are finding innovative ways to change perceptions of manufacturing , while also training new candidates , upskilling current employees and keeping workforces motivated and engaged .
Attracting Skilled Labor through Community Engagement
COVID-19 has curtailed many activities , including MFG Day 2020 . Many companies opted out but some , like Alro Steel and Alro Plastics , participated in virtual online events . The theme was “ Creators Wanted ” to highlight the need for skilled labor and the rewarding career that modern manufacturing can offer .
“ Modern manufacturing jobs are difficult to fill today due to a shortage in skilled labor ,” offers Alro Steel President & COO David Schmidt . “ We need to recruit students by showcasing the opportunities available for growth in the manufacturing industry . Manufacturing Day allows us to inspire the next generation of students to embrace careers in skilled trades .”
On Michigan ’ s west side , manufacturers came together to help form Talent 2025 . Described as a catalyst , its charge is to evaluate leading practices , illuminate gaps and advocate for advanced sectors and a higher trajectory of degrees and credentials to make West Michigan a top 20 employment region by 2025 .
Talent 2025 is composed of many regional CEOs , including Jay Dunwell , President of Wolverine Coil Spring Co . in Grand Rapids .
Dunwell , a past recipient of the John G . Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award , has been an active collaborator in many manufacturing initiatives over the years — the latest being a
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collaboration with West Michigan Works !, local economic developers , educators and manufacturers called Discover Manufacturing . With a mission of helping manufacturers promote , train and network , the next phase of Discover Manufacturing is a program tentatively called Adopt-a-School .
Modern manufacturing jobs are difficult to fill today due to a shortage in skilled labor . We need to recruit students by showcasing the opportunities available for growth in the manufacturing industry . Manufacturing Day allows us to inspire the next generation of students to embrace careers in skilled trades .
— David Schmidt • Alro Steel
“ It ’ s a program designed to help employers and schools connect for job shadowing , facility tours and more . We ’ re basically showing manufacturers how to get started ,” explains Dunwell .
Preparing Skilled Labor through School Partnerships
Connecting with educators , students and parents and exposing them to today ’ s clean , high-tech manufacturing settings is critical to changing outdated perceptions . It ’ s also an essential step to dispel myths about automation and technology eliminating future manufacturing jobs .
“ Yes , technology is advancing , but our message is that it just means the people we need are advancing too ,” says Laura Preuss , Workforce Development and Human Resource Manager at Marne-based DeWys Manufacturing .
“ Once upon a time , manufacturing was viewed as a great place to get a job after high school ,” Laura says . “ We need to get that distinction back .”
But reaching out to educators and students to create awareness is only part of the solution . Michigan manufacturers are also finding ways to help schools and technical facilities develop skilled labor candidates .
Saginaw-based Fullerton Tool Company partners with a variety of local schools , including Delta College , where they ’ ve helped procure grinding machinery and contributed to a curriculum that enables Fullerton to use Delta College for their journeyman program .
According to Patrick Curry , President of Fullerton , “ It ’ s a real commitment for our people but we cover tuition costs , depending on the grades they receive ; 100 percent for As , 80 percent for Bs and so on .”