Driving the Rebirth of Manufacturing
President's Message
One of the most critical elements for the profitable growth of manufacturing is its workforce. Today’s workforce needs to possess the technical skills to do the job and the continuous improvement skills to maintain an ongoing focus on excellence. These skills need to be maintained and grown in the workplace, but they also need to be possessed, to a certain degree, by individuals entering the workplace.
The manufacturing sector needs to accelerate both aspects of productive competency. AME’s family of manufacturers does a great job of sharing, learning, and growing lean and continuous improvement principles, but we only represent a fraction of the manufacturing sector. Plus, job applicants are short on reading, math, interpersonal, and continuous improvement skills. Also, students do not view manufacturing as a career. In addition, there are manufacturing jobs going unfilled and individuals unemployed. Why? There is a skill gap that is not being addressed. That being said, what can we, the AME family of lean and continuous improvement professionals, do about it?
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| Paul Kuchuris |
First, we can expand our outreach to manufacturers that are looking for tools, examples, and guidance on how to drive operational efficiency in their organizations. Hold receptions and share the success you have earned. Make presentations to local organizations illustrating the impact lean and continuous improvement activities can have on manufacturing results.
Second, we can work with our educational institutions to illustrate the advantages and benefits of a manufacturing career. We can suggest ways to improve their processes that can result in higher reading, math, and interpersonal skills at graduation. Hold manufacturing career fairs and lean/continuous improvement workshops for educators, and introduce them to successful manufacturing practices.
Third, we can work with our local workforce boards in developing training curriculum that addresses the skills gaps possessed by the current unemployment community. The workforce and community college community need focus from the business community on the types and extent of the practical skills that are needed to have a productive manufacturing career.
The AME family has a tremendous resource of experience and knowledge that can be focused on addressing all of these issues. We stand committed to driving and supporting many of these initiatives in 2012. Our objective is the rebirth of manufacturing in the United States.
I am calling on our entire family of manufacturers and volunteers to address these issues in their respective areas. Get involved and lead local initiatives. Collectively, we can make a significant impact on the successful growth of our manufacturing sector. We truly can make a difference.
