Owners of manufacturing companies know first-hand just how rewarding careers in this sector can be, both financially and intellectually. However, young talent may not realize the benefits a factory can offer. Manufacturing companies are having to find creative ways to breathe new life into their mature companies by enticing young talent to join their workforces.

A key factor in finding the right talent is understanding how manufacturing has changed. Increased automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing equipment is driving the need for a more skilled workforce equipped with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. As a result, many manufacturers need to look beyond their traditional sources to fill key manufacturing roles.

Recruiting young talent

There’s an ongoing talent gap in manufacturing, especially in high-tech niches. Proactive high school and college academic advisors have been instrumental in directing students toward careers in high-demand manufacturing sectors by recommending apprentice or internship programs.

Many businesses and schools work together in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs that start preparing students for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers as early as kindergarten. Today roughly 6,500 schools operate PLTW programs in all 50 states.

Manufacturing companies are a key partner in PLTW programs. For example, owners and managers mentor students and teachers, companies lend technology equipment to community colleges and high schools, and human resource departments offer apprentice or internship programs.

Not only do PLTW programs offer opportunities for manufacturers to give back to local communities, but they also create a source of workers trained in STEM disciplines that they can draw from in the future. In addition, money spent on these training programs may be deductible for income tax purposes — and, in some cases, may generate federal and state tax credits that could be refundable or carried forward to future periods.

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As the number of qualified candidates for key specialized manufacturing roles continues to be an issue, it will be critical to identify top talent quickly and ensure the right fit for both candidates and employers. We pride ourselves on the ability to match the right people to a client’s organization and serve our local community as this need grows.
Sherrie Whatton, President and CEO of LBMC Staffing Solutions

Create a mentor program as a part of succession planning

Support and encourage your seasoned employees to mentor and train for niche positions as a part of your succession planning strategy. As new talent is hired, pair them with a mentor for training and building employee engagement. Having more employees trained in these niche positions could help as other employees retire or there is a sudden incident to cause a gap in a department.

It is important for your young talent to feel empowered at work. Younger generations value strong communication in an environment where they can be heard and discuss what’s going on in their career, as well as what they are doing well and how they can improve. Having a mentor to help them develop their career path is important to younger generations. Implementing a mentor program can be a benefit to your company’s continued success in growth and talent retention.

Offer value-added work environments

Younger generations tend to be more technology savvy and innovative than previous generations. Hiring workers with such attributes can give a manufacturer the creative edge it needs to out-maneuver competitors. These younger workers also prefer to choose when and where they work, rather than working traditional 9-to-5 jobs and seek careers that provide a sense of personal fulfillment.

Examples of offerings that appeal to young talent include flextime arrangements, mentoring programs, and additional training and licensing opportunities. For example, a young worker may be incentivized by a year-end bonus program that’s based on developing innovative solutions to lower costs and waste (lean manufacturing) or improve product quality (six sigma principles).

Stay ahead of the technology curve

Technology is an important part of the daily life of younger employees — and they know how to use it to improve efficiency. This talent group will likely try to integrate intuitive devices and online services used in their personal lives into the workplace, such as tablets, video chat, social media and cloud computing.

Managers can leverage their deep understanding of technology by involving them in purchasing decisions. Some forward-thinking manufacturers have even added young talent to their boards of directors to increase diversity and offer fresh, technology-driven perspectives on such issues as strategic investment decisions and data security.

Overcome stereotypes

Manufacturers and young talent can be a winning combination. But first manufacturers need to refresh the sector’s image by promoting flexible work options and personal development opportunities, investing in user-friendly technology and participating in PLTW programs.

At LBMC Staffing Solutions, we’ve seen a growing number of requests to locate candidates for key manufacturing roles such as plant VP, plant manager, purchasing, operations and engineering. Many of these skilled positions are currently held by an aging workforce on the threshold of retirement. Leveraging our expertise and insight into the current manufacturing environment, we have been able to complete several successful talent matches for these highly technical manufacturing roles.

With a large number of the current manufacturing workforce in their 50s, we anticipate an ongoing need to locate and recruit a more highly-skilled labor force.

Let us help you find the right talent for your key specialized manufacturing roles.