According to CNN Money – “U.S. factories are creating many new jobs. But owners are hard pressed to find skilled American workers to fill them.”
The keyword here is “skilled”. These manufacturing companies are looking for motivated and tech-saavy employees, but there appears to be a shortage of qualified applicants, which in turn forces the manufacturing companies to hire “unskilled” workers and train them in order to meet growing production and service requirements.
Based on the current unemployment rate, and the growing nature of tech integration in younger generations, it is interesting to hear that this gap exists. According to Dennis Winslow, owner of Win-Tech, a defense and aerospace industry manufacturing company:
“I’m facing a real conundrum,” he said. “There are so many unemployed people in the country. But I can’t find the skill sets that I need. I would hire tomorrow if I could…I am coming to the conclusion that this [situation] has become the new normal. Being a machinist once was considered a respectable trade. But young Americans just don’t consider manufacturing to be a sexy vocation.”
Mr. Winslow – we respectfully disagree. The problem is that many young Americans do not associate manufacturing, or “warehouse jobs” with technology, and therefore career potential. Let us help you out a little:
Job Posting: Looking For Warehouse Technology and Logistics Professionals
Who wants to sit at a desk all day? Who wants to be restricted by outdated technology and corporate hierarchy struggles? If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment where you have the ability to streamline and optimize operations, we would love to speak with you.
Ok, so this is a little rough around the edges, but the point is that the problem here may not be a lack of qualified or “skilled” Americans, but rather, a lack of visibility due to misconceptions surrounding the opportunity.
We at Blue Harbors LOVE the manufacturing industry, and are driven by supply chain optimization potential. What’s better than a warehouse with “potential”?