Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/385615
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m September 2014 • /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING | 15 ANDY PREISSNER GOES TO WORK each day knowing he's in a race to find the talent his company needs to stay competitive and resilient. He also knows that demographics and popular perception are oen working against him. As one generation prepares to retire, fewer workers are available to move into those jobs. Add to that a perception – particularly among parents – that manufacturing is dirty, repetitive and not rewarding, and you can see where Preissner might have challenges. So, when the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry approached him about a new program that would link students with an interest in technical fields to companies actually doing the work, he was quickly on board. "We are always looking for the best and brightest who have an interest in technical education," says Preissner, the human resources director for A to Z Machine Company, an Appleton-based company providing precision components to a wide-variety of industries. "is is a chance for them to see it close up and learn what those career options really are like," he says. "en they go home and talk about it and get others excited to see it." Changing the recruiting dynamics and exposing younger students to the possibilities of the technical careers were a primary reason A to Z Machine was an early participant in the Connect a Career program launched by the Chamber of Commerce in 2013. One year later, the success of the program prompted those involved to rebrand the program as Your Future Fox Cities and position it for use by chambers and communities all across the state under the umbrella of Your Future Wisconsin. "We know that talent is the No. 1 issue on most employers' list of critical issues," says Patty Milka, E D U C AT I O N & T R A I N I N G Connecting a new generation Rebranded chamber program shows students, parents the new face of manufacturing BY SEAN P. JOHNSON A machinist at A to Z Machine Company works with a job shadow on the shop floor. Both parents and students get a realistic view of career opportunities in manufacturing during a Youth Apprentice Parents Night event at A to Z Machine Company. P H O T O G R PA H S C O U R T E S Y O F A T O Z M A C H I N E C O M PA N Y c o n t i n u e d >