16 MiMfg Magazine July / August 2022
Being involved in [ the ] regional groups gives me good relationships with people who can help coach and point me in the right direction for a lot of things . It also provides a direct relationship with the CTE administrators and instructors . They can try to point individual kids my way , or give me a heads up on students who may be interested in a co-op .
— Dave Maurer • Humphrey Products
served as Executive Chair for Discover Manufacturing , a group that ’ s entirely focused on inspiring and expanding manufacturing talent throughout west Michigan . Discover Manufacturing serves as a bridge between employers and potential talent and vice versa .
“ With Discover Manufacturing , our programs focus on creating a robust and consistent interest in manufacturing careers for west Michigan students ,” says Heethuis . “ Whether that ’ s machining or support functions from IT to supply chain and accounting , we consider those all pathways to manufacturing careers .”
Making The Case to Young People
College , trade schools , the military , apprenticeship programs , entrepreneurship — today ’ s young people have more choices than ever when it comes to their future . On top of that , the post-COVID-19 marketplace has created an employee ’ s market for perhaps the first time in a long time . Manufacturing companies have to compete for the best employees in this new world and , in order to remain relevant and competitive , they need to get creative .
The first stage of that engagement is one of the most critical — connecting with the right stakeholders and exposing young people to the value and benefits of the many manufacturing career pathways available . This is where employers can start from the ground up by connecting with the right influencers such as parents , teachers and guidance counselors . Once those connections are made , employers can focus on creating opportunities for exposure , says Heethuis .
“ I think a barrier is not having those opportunities to explore the industry ,” he says .
Providing information and education is also key . Growing up in the digital age , younger generations are used to having all the information in the world right at their fingertips , so it ’ s important to answer their questions and provide enough information to pique their interest and keep them interested .
“ One of the key factors here is telling students about the types of experiences they ’ ll have at work ,” says Heethuis . “ More and more , individuals want to understand what will I get to work on ? What will I get to do ? They ’ re not overly worried about what title they ’ re going to have .
“ The more we can show that or have students even participate as an experiential thing , that ’ s definitely a win .”
Cultivating the next generation of talent continues to be today ’ s No . 1 challenge , and it ’ s clear there are many Michigan manufacturers relying on their own creativity and problem-solving skills to find solutions for the future . Through these programs , they ’ re also helping to reshape the industry ’ s image for all of us . 6
Have a manufacturing story to tell ? E-mail communications @ mimfg . org .
Upcoming MMA Policy Committee Meetings
Make your voice heard on the issues affecting your company by joining an MMA Policy Committee . Learn more at mimfg . org .
Air Policy Committee Tuesday , August 2 , 2022 Tuesday , September 8 , 2022 Tuesday , October 11 , 2022
Employment & Workforce Policy Committee Friday , September 23 , 2022
Environmental Policy Committee Tuesday , August 9 , 2022 Tuesday , September 15 , 2022 Tuesday , October 18 , 2022
Food Manufacturers Policy Committee Wednesday , July 27 , 2022 Wednesday , September 28 , 2022
Mining & Natural Resource Industries Policy Committee Thursday , July 28 , 2022 Thursday , September 22 , 2022
Tax Policy Committee Monday , September 26 , 2022
Contact MMA ’ s Eleanor Surtman , at 517-487-8552 or surtman @ mimfg . org , to attend an upcoming meeting .