SANTA ROSA, CA—An innovative “job-shadowing” program to train high school students for skilled manufacturing jobs is gaining momentum in its third year. Launched by 101MFG, a trade group focused on boosting California’s manufacturing sector, the program is expecting up to 300 participants this year.
CLEVELAND—Tooling U-SME has introduced a new workforce development resource, called the Competency Framework, that outlines the knowledge and skill objectives for more than 60 manufacturing jobs.
For example, according to the Precision Metalforming Association, 69 percent of U.S. metalworking companies have job openings. However, 91 percent of those companies are experiencing challenges finding qualified employees, and 42 percent describe that difficulty as “severe.”
WASHINGTON—Women could help manufacturers fill their need for skill workers, but companies will need to improve the image of the industry as a female-friendly workplace.