tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8731503011210783753.post1032241093230753309..comments2023-10-16T07:14:02.138-04:00Comments on Manufacturing Ohio: How Manufacturing Can Attract Young Talent AgainRCStapehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04150855107895055983noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8731503011210783753.post-13403142646710328422011-09-02T15:06:34.109-04:002011-09-02T15:06:34.109-04:00In order to to overcome the cultural barrier facin...In order to to overcome the cultural barrier facing manufacturing, we have to not only make the industry attractive to young people, but we have to also involve our local governments, educators and parents. These are the people who are going to help shape the choices the next generation makes. <br /><br />If companies develop relationships with local schools, and help teachers to also show manufacturing as a viable career choice, and then engage with parents in the same way, I think we will see more young people being allowed to explore this different path. In speaking with many high-school students, many say they go to a four year college because that's what their parents and teachers expect, even though their personal interests involve working with their hands, on cars etc. <br /><br />Below are also some points that helped my company to look cool and attract young talent <br /><br />1) Get them in the plant<br />In the past couple years we have hosted several tours of young people through our plant from local tech schools (high school/trade school etc) Some of the kids were really floored about the automation, technology, and clean and modern atmosphere at our company. Later on some of those young people applied and joined us as interns.<br /><br />2)Apprentice Programs- not just for tool and die<br />We recently restarted our apprentice program and currently have four young apprentices in our tool room. When we were recruiting for the program, we marketed the program as a starting point for a variety of careers in manufacturing and introduced them to previous apprentices who were now in new product development, design, quality and tooling. <br /><br />3)Modernize your culture and company- We renovated our office space incorporating an ultra modern look and also use technology around the plant including LCD Monitors in press rooms, break rooms and conference rooms. We just recently completed a large solar installation with carports and full roof installation. We have internal instant messaging for quick chats, and also an intranet directory for information on people and events. <br /><br />This and other initiatives have helped us to attract people to our company. We currently have young talent in our Quality, Project Engineering, Marketing, New Product Development, Stamping, and Molding areasElisabeth Weissenrieder Bennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05321728719407661432noreply@blogger.com