Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/570520
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m September 2015 • /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING | 11 B Y N I K K I K A L L I O Women have a solid foothold in manufacturing and may be one answer to solving the skills gap The female factor T hirty years ago, it was considered unusual for women to rise to a leadership position in manufacturing. Things change. For many young women — and men — now entering manufacturing, gender is really a non-issue. What is at issue, however, is the skills gap. There are open jobs and people looking for jobs, but applicants often don't have the skill sets needed. Manufacturers should take a hard look at the applicant pool and ask themselves why most applicants are still young men. Educators should ask how they can get more girls and young women interested and engaged in science, technology, engineering and math. During October's Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, three women who lead New North-area companies — Jan Allman of Fincantieri/Marinette Marine Corp., Kim Bassett of Bassett Mechanical and Rita Cox of Coating Excellence International — will participate on a panel about women in manufacturing. As IOM editor, I spoke with these women and others about what led them to the industry — and how to help draw more women to manufacturing fields.