December 2020 MiMfg Magazine 21
We still have parents hesitant to send their kids to a manufacturing program . We have to show them the opportunities and that manufacturing is alive and well .
— Tim Rigling • Wexford Missaukee Career Tech Center
applied to a variety of skilled trade fields and are linked to NC3 certification which is highly valued by manufacturing employers .
“ The precision carts give our students training with micrometers and things for quality control that are used all the time in the field ,” says Bush . “ Now our students are able to start their job training or apprenticeship and they can show that they have this skill set . It saves the employer time and money on training .”
There is also a coordinated public relations effort centered around promoting manufacturing careers , says Tim Rigling , CTE Director for the Wexford Missaukee Career Tech Center located in Cadillac . He says having that stigma impacts talent acquisition in skilled trades and industrial arts .
“ We still have parents hesitant to send their kids to a manufacturing program ,” says Rigling . “ We have to show them the opportunities and that manufacturing is alive and well .”
Retaining Talent a Priority for Manufacturers
Cultivating and acquiring talent is just the first step . Modern manufacturers also have to show opportunities for professional development , says Jeremy Bockelman , Executive Director and Senior Business Advisor for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center ( The Center ). Bockelman and The Center help their manufacturing clients in skills and talent development while also offering a wide variety of classes in cyber security , business development , environmental , food industry , supply chain and more . Providing those programs and opportunities to “ upskill ” have a direct impact on retaining employees .
“ What we work on with our clients is how do we provide additional tools to help keep employees and keep them engaged . For instance , our supervisor skills course has been extremely popular ,” says Bockelman , MMA ’ s 2018 MFG Emerging Leader . With locations in Plymouth , Grand Rapids , Saginaw , Traverse City and Marquette , The Center is a major proponent of Industry 4.0 , described as the fourth industrial revolution . Industry 4.0 is largely based on utilizing advanced technology , data , machine learning and automation . Bockelman says it ’ s imperative that manufacturers show prospective
A student in machining class at Wexford Missaukee Career Tech Center .
employees they are leading through technology , and that industrial arts has undergone a significant evolution since 2008-2009 . One example Bockelman gives is using virtual or augmented reality to train CNC operators , which is available at The Center ’ s Industry 4.0 labs .
“ That is what ’ s going to entice the future generation of workers ,” says Bockelman .
Utilizing technology and career advancement will hopefully continue to have an impact on filling the needs of manufacturers in Michigan . For Janis Petrini , Owner and Operator of Express Employment Professionals , she knows full well that finding and keeping talent is the No . 1 challenge facing her manufacturing clients .
“ Right now , there are over 15,000 unfilled manufacturing positions . Manufacturers need talent desperately ,” says Petrini .
The COVID-19 pandemic , in addition to being an international health crisis , has had a damaging effect on manufacturers who are trying to hire and retain their incumbent workforce . Petrini says many workers are at home and fearful to return to work . Conversely , wages have increased across the board in manufacturing fields and many companies have already proven they can provide safe working environments .
Having been in business for over 25 years , Petrini understands that staffing is essentially a numbers game . Since 2008 , the state has experienced a significant drop in population and certain areas such as Detroit have been hit particularly hard with the post-recession exodus . She says that recently they ’ re seeing people return to Michigan and populations start to slowly increase .
Petrini hopes that these are all positive signs for manufacturers going forward .
“ We have been turning the conversation around for the students and their parents ,” Petrini says . “( Manufacturing ) is actually a very sustainable career and it ’ s a great career choice to support your family .” 6