All Stars

MANUFACTURERS SEEK OUT EMPLOYEES M ANUFACTURING IS THE HEART OF WISCONSIN'S ECONOMY. WITH A QUARTER of all jobs in Northeast Wisconsin tied to manufacturing, it's no secret of how important it is. But what may be a secret is just how strong it is. The U.S. Federal Reserve's Midwest Manufacturing Index increased 0.6 percent for August 2011, up 7.6 percent from a year earlier. Additionally, the Fed's Midwest Economy Index showed a slight contraction in August, but in manufacturing, the index was up by 0.27 of one point. The industry's slow, but fairly steady comeback is reflected in the state's employment numbers. For August 2011, manufacturing employment in Wisconsin stood at 458,600, up from 456,400 in July, and 432,100 in January. And more evidence manufacturers are in need of workers: A recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that U.S. manufacturers cannot fill as many as 600,000 skilled positions – even as unemployment numbers hover at historic levels. The survey, "Boiling Point? The skills gap in U.S. manufacturing," polled a nationally representative sample of 1,123 executives at manufacturing companies recently and revealed that 5 percent of current manufacturing jobs are unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates. As the overall population ages and baby boomers working for manufacturers retire, the demand for qualified employees will continue to increase. According to a study done by Economic Modeling Specialists, companies will need more industrial engineers ($30+ an hour), industrial machinery mechanics ($22+), maintenance and repair workers ($17+) and machine tool operators ($17+). While these jobs require skill training – either through on-the-job apprenticeships or technical college coursework – they are long-lasting careers that have significant earning potential and provide personal satisfaction. PROJECTED GROWTH IN KEY MANUFACTURING JOBS T he U.S. Department of Labor estimates manufacturers will need millions of new workers over the next seven years. By 2018, the government estimates a national need for: 357,000 ...................................................................... Maintenance and repair workers 85,000 ......................................................................... Industrial engineers 62,400 ........................................................................ Industrial machinery mechanics 18,500 ......................................................................... Industrial engineering technicians 15,000 .......................................................................... Machine tool operators 10,400 ......................................................................... Environmental technicians SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ NEW MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE All Star CODY BLAUERT ✯ ✯ ✯ Bassett Mechanical Kaukauna Job title: Fabricator/welder Job duties: Fabrication, welding and project planning. What's most interesting about your job? I'm always doing something different and you never know what kind of job you might be doing next. What's the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the finished product. What kind of school classes or training prepared you for your job? Welding program at NWTC, apprentice program with Local 400 and all the hands-on experience with my co- workers. ALL STARS VIDEO AND PUBLICATION ONLINE NEW Manufacturing Alliance's fouth annual manufacturing All Stars recognition program can be seen online. To view this publication online, go to www.newmfgalliance.org and click on the cover, or use your mobile phone to scan the QR code on the right. The online version will also allow you to view videos of each All Star. To view a compilation video: www.newmfgalliance.org What sets Cody apart: "Cody has a solid performance record at Bassett. Cody has worked his way from a helper to top performing journeyman fabricator in 6 ½ years at Bassett. With his strong work ethic and great attitude, Cody has earned the respect of his co-workers," says Dan Buechler, who nominated Cody for the award. Go online to www.newmfgalliance.org to view videos of the NEW Manufacturing All Stars MANUFACTURING ALL STARS 2012 3 COURTESY OF ALEX ZACARIAS, EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS OF NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

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