Manufacturing Skills Gap: How to Hire for Critical Roles
The manufacturing skills gap poses a major hiring challenge, with many firms unable to find workers with needed technical abilities. Creative approaches are required to recruit for critical operational roles. Working with a trusted manufacturing staffing agency can enable you to tap into expanded talent pools and hire qualified candidates through:
Apprenticeship Programs
Manufacturers should consider offering
paid on-the-job apprenticeships that combine work experience with classroom
learning. This approach allows you to train candidates who display high
potential but may lack direct manufacturing experience currently. A
manufacturing staffing agency partner can assist by helping source promising
apprenticeship applicants and provide guidance on implementing effective
programs.
Internal Development Plans
Make the most of your existing workforce
by providing current employees with training opportunities to transition into
hard-to-fill manufacturing roles. Options like tuition reimbursement, skills
certifications, job rotations, mentorships, and onsite training can all help
expand your internal talent pipeline. Identify top existing team members who
would thrive in key roles with further development.
Partnerships with Trade Schools
Proactively connect with regional trade
schools that offer instruction in manufacturing skills. Build an ongoing talent
pipeline by offering trade school students site visits, guest speaking roles,
scholarships, or part-time work opportunities. A manufacturing staffing agency
can help facilitate introductions and partnerships with relevant schools in
your area.
Referral Bonuses
Leverage your current staff's networks
through referral bonuses. Offer enticing bonuses to employees who recommend
candidates from their personal networks that ultimately get hired. This
incentivizes your team to tap their contacts and draw new talent in.
Cast a Wide Geographic Net
Don't limit your recruiting to just
candidates in your immediate geographic area. Remote and hybrid work options
make it possible to recruit skilled team members from other cities or states as
well. Expand your search nationally.
Diversity Initiatives
Actively recruit from groups traditionally
underrepresented in manufacturing like women, minorities, veterans, and people
with disabilities to significantly widen your talent pool. Develop diversity
partnerships and targeted outreach.
Social Media Recruiting
Build a talent community on sites like
LinkedIn by frequently sharing manufacturing job openings, company culture
highlights, employee spotlights, and skills training content. Social recruiting
significantly expands your reach to new candidate networks.
Conclusion
Overcoming the manufacturing skills gap requires creative techniques for sourcing, engaging and ultimately hiring qualified talent. Partnering with an expert manufacturing staffing agency provides access to expanded candidate networks and resources to help fill even your most challenging roles.
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