November 15, 2023 Expand Reach To Deliver Fulfilling Manufacturing Careers

Manufacturing leaders are well-positioned to tap into new candidate pools.

By: Tamara (Tammi) Morytko, Senior Vice President and President, Molding Technology Solutions, Hillenbrand

As more Americans forego traditional college education in favor of career-connected pathways and trade skill training, manufacturing leaders have the unique opportunity to demonstrate to this group of professionals how manufacturing can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Leaders must make recruitment a main focus today, as there are an estimated 4 million jobs in the field to be filled over the next decade.

As leaders in the industry, we have the responsibility to fill these jobs and can do so by educating our communities about modern manufacturing, encouraging more women to pursue careers in the field, and investing in community partnerships. These tactics achieve two goals: train candidates relatively quickly to obtain high-paying jobs now, as opposed to after completing a traditional college education, and ease the ongoing workforce shortages companies are facing.

Manufacturing is a growing, global industry, and solving labor challenges isn’t going to happen overnight. It is our duty to focus on developing the skills of our current workforce while planning for the future with intentional recruitment efforts that reach the next generation and show them the advantages of a manufacturing career and the vital role it plays in supporting the increase in globalization of products, supply chains, and talent.

Educate Your Communities

A common misconception about manufacturing jobs is that they require a low level of skill. Manufacturing is an “all skills” industry, meaning there are jobs for all education levels, from college to trade skills and everything in between. In addition to operating and supporting modern, high-tech equipment, you will find jobs in functions like finance, legal, marketing, and more.

Manufacturing spans a wide array of industries and requires associates to work with a variety of tools, technology, and machinery. There is an incredible amount of diversity in roles because the equipment used varies greatly depending on the industry. Raising awareness of these key points in your community is crucial to generating career interest in manufacturing.

Encourage More Women to Pursue a Career in The Field

Manufacturing leaders can create a pipeline of new talent by encouraging more women to consider manufacturing careers. I joined Manufacturing because of the exhilaration one gets from creating an idea and bringing it to life in terms of a physical product. Being able to visibly measure your results and see the impact of your work is incredibly rewarding.

A recent study underwritten by Hillenbrand and published by the Manufacturers Alliance cited the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows that currently, women represent 47% of the U.S. workforce overall, but only 29% in manufacturing. Closing the gender gap in manufacturing can be addressed early through intentional programs and partnerships with organizations that support women and young girls. For example, Hillenbrand strategically pursued a partnership with Girls Inc. to advance the next generation of female STEM leaders through education and programs that help them envision themselves pursuing this career. Together, we create pathways for young girls to enter this field.

Invest in Community and Industry Partnerships

Creating partnerships with trade organizations and career centers are strategic investments for manufacturing leaders because they work directly with students and integrate hands-on training to prepare them for apprenticeships and jobs in manufacturing and trades. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of registered apprentices rose 64% over a decade.

Hands-on experience is vital because it allows individuals to practice what they learn in a real manufacturing environment alongside full-time employees. For example, one of Hillenbrand’s companies, Milacron, recently partnered with the Grant Career Center in Ohio to create the Advanced Manufacturing Academy, which opened in October. This work-based learning placement provides high school seniors with comprehensive training designed to create an employee pipeline by offering students the opportunity to secure employment at Milacron or in the advanced manufacturing sector upon graduation. By integrating classroom instruction with hands-on training, this experience equips students with the technical expertise and industry-specific skills required for success in the field.

Modern manufacturing is a major contributor to our global economy. As millions of jobs remain unfilled and college-going rates decline, you can make a change. Think strategically, upskill talent, and tap into the diverse and worthwhile candidate pools that exist in your communities.

To learn more about Hillenbrand, please visit hillenbrand.com or contact info@hillenbrand.com.

Tammi Morytko is Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand and has been the President of the Molding Technology Solutions (MTS) operating segment since September 2023. In this role, she oversees Milacron, Mold-Masters, and DME. Tammi has more than two decades of leadership in regional and global business operations and driving supply chain improvements. She served most recently as President of the Pumps Division at Flowserve Corporation from 2020 to 2023. Prior to that role, she held finance, general management, and supply chain roles at Norsk Titanium from 2018 to 2020, Baker Hughes from 2010 to 2017, and Pratt & Whitney from 1996 to 2010. She began her career at Arthur Andersen LLP. She currently serves on the EnerSys Board of Directors.

Subscribe to Industry Today