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 | 7 EDITOR'S NOTE | NIKKI KALLIO n k a l l i o @ i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m IT'S NOT A NEW PROBLEM, BUT IT'S A PRESSING one: How do manufacturers fill the gaps le by an aging and retiring workforce? How do they fill the skills gaps le by evolving technology? According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, there are 1,870 unfilled jobs in manufacturing in the New North. It's not a problem that manufacturers can fix on their own. ey need help from a number of different players, including educators and parents, to help engage students in the possibility of a manufacturing career. Doing that comes down to that big word that comes up in any discussion about relationships: Communication. We're already doing a lot of things right here in the New North – organizations like the NEW Manufacturing Alliance have already made strides in getting more young people interested in high-demand career fields. In this issue's cover story "Get in the game: Manufacturingland!"(see page 8), we take a look at the misconceptions that are still tamping enthusiasm for pursuing manufacturing careers and what we can do about it. For instance, in the Brillion School District, educators are gearing up for a new K4- through-fih-grade engineering innovation center that will introduce children early to the science, technology, engineering and math concepts that will open up new career possibilities for them later. Keep talking-we're getting somewhere A year-old effort by Inspire Sheboygan County is helping connect students with real-life manufacturing experiences like tours and internships. A similar effort by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce also is underway (see Education & Training, page 15). All of these experiences will help. Letting kids see and explore and try new things will help. at goes for all types of career possibilities and educational experiences, too. Needing more specialized workers doesn't mean we should cloister students into one kind of training or another. Letting them see the connections between different STEM areas – as well as the arts, language and social sciences – helps create the kind of well-rounded, problem-solving team members a modern manufacturing facility requires. Another great opportunity to get out and talk to manufacturing companies is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 22 – the fourth annual Manufacturing First Conference and Expo will return to the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. More than 150 companies and schools will have booths at the event, which includes dynamic speakers focused on the future of manufacturing. e night before the event, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance will honor its partners in education and recognize the 2015 All Stars. Be sure to watch for the special All Stars insert coming in the January issue of IOM. It's another great tool to show to young people who are wondering what kinds of jobs are available in manufacturing, and to help show them what it's all about. F