Skilled Labor Shortage

There is a shortage of skilled laborers in North America and beyond. There is a need for workers who build pumps and their systems, for those who install and monitor them. The problem is rampant—compounded as many older workers retire and take their invaluable institutional knowledge with them. "In addition to retirements and economic expansion, other factors contribute to the shortage of skilled workforce, including loss of embedded knowledge due to movement of experienced workers, a negative image of the manufacturing industry among younger generations, lack of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills among workers and a gradual decline of technical education programs in public high schools," according to a study from the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. Industry leaders have fought to fill this gap for some time. Efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Now, companies and groups are banding together to draw talented young people to professions that can provide meaningful work and good pay without the requirement of a college education. One event that is attracting a lot of attention is Manufacturing Day, set for October 2. Manufacturing Day gives young people and their parents a chance to learn about what kinds of jobs are available across the country, according to Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. "By reengaging local communities to showcase their manufacturing sector and demonstrate the contribution that manufacturing makes to the local economy, we can ensure a better future and way of life for our children and grandchildren," Youdell said. "Our future depends on our ability to strengthen and advance this vital sector of our nation's economy." Employers are getting creative in their efforts to attract smart, motivated young people. "We're inviting schools to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Chicagoland Speedway this year on September 20," said SKF Group CEO Alrik Danielson. "Ryan Blaney, who drives the No. 21 car and is 21 years old, will help us promote youth in manufacturing." SKF, a technology provider with employees in 130 countries, is taking the search for employees to a local level. "We are partnering with trade schools and high schools, going to campuses to recruit youth. We think we can do a little bit more," Danielson said. Other employers are going even further to find qualified workers. One industry executive with a U.S. office said his company has gone as far away as India to find skilled labor. Their recruitment program works because employees have the chance to make more money here and can receive additional training once they arrive. While the shortage is felt acutely in the U.S., it extends well beyond North America. Companies in the European Union and the Middle East are struggling to fill jobs. The Australian Department of Employment reports that while the demand for labor has decreased overall, there remains "difficulty recruiting for higher skilled jobs." All areas report a skills gap in areas that include the pump and rotating equipment industries. Experts said that European countries do a better job in training than the U.S. "Schools in the U.S. need to present the opportunity for students that are strong in math and science to go into the trades and give them a vision of a career path that will get them as far as they want to go," said Henry Peck, president of Geiger Pump & Equipment Company. "For example, a world-class rotating equipment specialist is not offered by our schools as a vision for a career path for a strong student, when in fact it is indeed a high level career alternative." U.S. high schools promote college preparatory programs that do not necessarily include mechanics or the related sciences and skills. "Schools are not encouraging people, especially our stronger students, to enter the trades today. So, attracting strong candidates is limited," Peck said. Now the White House is stepping in to ramp up opportunities in the U.S. TechHire is an initiative that allows communities to take action, "working with each other and with employers to expand access to tech jobs," according to whitehouse.gov. According to TechHire statistics, America has more open jobs than at any point since 2001. Many require skills that can be learned at community colleges and industry-certified training programs. The recruitment efforts are going to become even more important in the future. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that the job growth rate for STEM-related jobs is almost double that of non-STEM occupations. There is a movement to emphasize STEM education beginning in elementary school. The National Education Association endorses this move with resource recommendations for curriculum enhancements and teacher training. Meanwhile, schools and companies will celebrate manufacturing next month with an eye on young people who will choose skilled professions today. Many industry groups and companies are participating in upcoming events to promote manufacturing jobs to young prospects.

• Last month, Goulds Water Technology celebrated "pride in American manufacturing" in a pre-Labor day event. Xylem's Auburn, New York, facility was open to tour.
• Pump component manufacturer Lakeside Precision in Dunkirk, New York, is offering plant tours and demonstrations on October 2.
• Ametek Motion Control will open its doors to students, teachers and parents at its Harleysville Pennsylvania plant on Manufacturing Day.
• Baldor Electric is hosting an invitation-only event on October 2 at its Fort Smith, Arkansas headquarters.
• The Hydraulic Institute, a global authority on pumps and pumping systems, has promoted Manufacturing Day among its membership. The group helped its members promote their company events around the country.