Cultivating the future of machining

As I’ve said many times before: Time flies when you’re busy, and it sure has this year. One area keeping me busy is finding skilled workers.

In the recent past, I’ve had several opportunities to meet and communicate with younger job candidates. One was a high school career fair where I spoke with teenagers and other young people seeking career guidance and recommendations. I also responded to an email from a 19-year-old machinist who wanted career advice, including what habits and skills owners and managers are looking for in young, inexperienced employees. I appreciated the interest and the articulate, logical questions from decent kids trying to position themselves for a successful career. While pondering my answers, I realized how many young people need to hear this information and how important it is to give them good, practical advice.

Most shops struggle with a lack of qualified workers, as well as employees’ personal issues. That makes it imperative to cultivate workers for the future, because the future is closer than we think. Summarized here are the skills I consider important when evaluating and hiring young employees. Perhaps you can add to the list.

First, show up to work on time and with minimal personal drama. Many employees have talent, but can be so distracted by personal matters that it hurts their job performance and their chances for advancement. Most of this is immaturity or an unwillingness to put the smartphone away. Employees who demonstrate that their lives aren’t ruled by social media have an advantage.

Second, accept guidance and follow instructions with a good attitude and write things down. These qualities will be noticed and positively reinforced. Lots of employees appear to be listening and understanding, but won’t jot notes and “forget” too frequently. In addition, always sign and date your notes and documents. This may sound simplistic, but doing so demonstrates a willingness to learn and follow through.

Third, have a sense of urgency and take care of responsibilities in a proactive manner. Handle tasks sooner rather than later, regardless of what you perceive to be a distant deadline. Many workers push something to the side because it’s not urgent, then end up in a fire drill later. The most valuable employees are those who demonstrate urgency and proactive work habits.

Fourth, be organized and keep your work area clean—show some care and pride in your workspace. Many people think this doesn’t matter. It does.

Lastly, career advancement depends largely on one’s ability to understand and implement advanced technologies. The relatively few people who become proficient—essentially becoming advanced application and software programming “gurus”—will have bright futures.

Advanced technologies include multiple-axis machines, high-performance cutting tools, 3D modeling software (CAD drawings) and flexible automation. These technologies can be intimidating, and some employees may not want to learn them. However, as technology advances, learning these techniques will ensure job security. Mastering just one of these areas can be a career in itself, and rarely can one person become an expert in all of them. So, choose one and turn yourself into a valuable asset.

For shop owners and managers, buying the latest machine tool is the easy part. If you don’t have employees who understand how to utilize all the fancy features, the machine is worthless. Finding this caliber of employee is difficult, because there aren’t many. Employees with these skills are machinists/artists who can take an unshaped piece of material and turn it into a valuable product. And isn’t that what our industry is all about?

Thanks for your attention throughout 2014 and Happy Holidays to you! CTE

About the Author: Keith Jennings is president of Crow Corp., Tomball, Texas, a family-owned company focusing on machining, metal fabrication and metal stamping. Contact him at kjennings@jwr.com.