Career Resources

Career Resources

Breathing New Life Into Manufacturing

Posted November 15, 2013 & filed under Job Search

Breathing New Life Into Manufacturing

A recent LinkedIn article hit the nail right on the head when discussing one of the greatest obstacles facing the resurging American manufacturing sector. Sander van’t Noordende, Group Chief Executive at Accenture, pointed toward what he called the digital economy as an effective way to repopulate the graying manufacturing talent pool with young and energetic candidates.

His article argues that manufacturers need to make it clear that they are not an analog holdover in a digital age. The misconception is that manufacturing relies more on brute force and elbow grease than any sort of mental power. Increasingly, the workforce needs those professionals with experience in data-analytics, advanced 3D modeling techniques, and cloud technologies.

Beyond that, they need to be aware of the synchronicity found between disparate tools of varying complexity. For the next generation of skilled workers, this definitely isn’t their grandfather’s manufacturing industry and that needs to be made abundantly clear.

Beyond Noordende’s article, which talks about the introduction of 3D printing and mass customization onto the plant floor as ways of increasing interest, there are other ways to spread the word. Here are a few ways to boost your capabilities and your workforce.

Integrate Cutting-Edge Technology – the obvious benefit is that productivity, capabilities, and accuracy increase with the integration of new technology. A peripheral but still immensely important benefit is that companies at the cutting-edge can market themselves as a hot place for young talent to work.

National Manufacturing Day – When manufacturers open their doors to students and enthusiasts in the community, the greater transparency does wonders to brush away misconceptions about the stogy nature of the industry. Showing your digital powered tools in action can go a long way to convincing interested minds about what they can do.

Embrace Social Networking – In the article, Noordende referred to a branding problem that manufacturers faced. Too many companies, though not all, are behind the times with social networking tools. A simple added presence in the world of social posting.

Provide Opportunities for College Credit – Partnering with local universities to provide college credit for internships or externships is another great way to attract young talent because at the end of you the course, you’ve trained someone in your techniques who might just want to make their way back to your company after graduation.