Job one? Selling jobs!: Industry Trends & Analysis

What if opportunity knocks, but no one answers? That’s been one of the metalworking industry’s biggest challenges as it tries to fill numerous job vacancies. The industry has long complained that it gets no respect. The public perceives shop work to be dirty and low-paying—something to be avoided if at all possible.

However, the recent manufacturing boom may be changing that perception. Multiple reports note the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers, giving the industry precious “free media” about unfilled jobs. There are good numbers behind the story: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 264,000 job openings in the manufacturing sector at the end of 2011, compared with approximately 100,000 two years ago.

Companies and trade groups seem to be stepping up their game, developing creative ways to recruit and train new workers.

Some companies are using a tried-and-true approach: cold, hard cash. Mazak Corp. is seeking welders to help build machine tools at its Florence, Ky., plant and is offering signing bonuses of $2,500, according to a report on CNBC. The report quoted Brian Papke, president of Mazak: “We have to move quickly. Offering bounties was one of the fastest ways we could go to attract people into our welding programs.”

The report also noted Seco Tools Inc. in Troy, Mich., had 11 job openings at the beginning of March, with some paying up to $90,000 annually. The toolmaker offers to pay up to $4,000 for the continuing education of people it hires.

Another approach finds manufacturers and colleges teaming up. As reported in the March issue of CTE, Dynomax Inc., a job shop and machine builder headquartered in Wheeling, Ill., runs an apprenticeship program with community colleges such as the College of DuPage. Younger students apply for the program, become full-time employees of Dynomax and are mentored by senior employees.

Flexible Steel Lacing Co., Downers Grove, Ill., which makes components for conveyor belts, has a similar apprenticeship program and also offers a selection of certificate programs, according to an article in Medill Reports, published by the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University. The report noted 10 employees are enrolled in the manufacturing certificate program at community colleges.