Baby Boomers retiring,
Congress,
continued education,
Elkhorn,
joint efforts,
manufacturing in the U.S.,
manufacturing jobs,
manufacturing training,
national problem,
new jobs,
new opportunities,
PMPA,
Instrument manufacturers,
China Instrument Parts,
Senate,
shortage of skilled workers,
the danger zone,
Wisconsin
Michael Reader
Shortage of skilled Instrument manufacturing craftsmen is rapidly approaching the danger zone. As Baby Boomers retire from their positions at a rate of 10,000 per day, we are confronted with vacancies which are unable to be filled due to the lack of availability of qualified and trained men and women.
As manufacturers, China Instrument Parts and many others are undertaking a targeted bulls-eye campaign, to address this issue from all possible points:
- BY WORKING WITH OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
In March of 2012, a group representing PMPA (Instrument Machined Products Association ) flew into Washington, DC to engage in conversation with government officials regarding this impending issue. The Franklin Partnership arranged 75 congressional visits for members of PMPA , while Second Vice President Darlene Miller of Permac Industries, arranged meetings and a tour with White House Officials. Many important issues relevant to preserving manufacturing in the U.S. were discussed, with an emphasis in tax reform and job training. A second Fly-In is scheduled for early October. By then, according to PMPA, “Attendees will have a chance to tell their elected officials directly about the importance of manufacturing as they campaign. It will also better position PMPA as we head into the lame duck session having recently briefed members of Congress about our priorities on tax reform and other issues.”
- BY WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Instrument manufacturers have vowed to bring awareness to local elected officials by inviting them to tour our facilities and sitting down for frank discussions on how to improve the future of manufacturing.
- BY ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING AND SUPPORTING TRADE ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS PMPA
We are many, but collectively, we are a force and we have one voice. Nothing comes without acute dedication to our beliefs, in that our country deserves to once again soar in the manufacturing world.
- BY CONTINUING TO OFFER EDUCATION AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR CURRENT EMPLOYEES
Instrument manufacturers understand that time does not stand still and that in every person exists the goal is to better themselves.We promote and provide further education to solidify their skills and knowledge. By being involved in formulating high-caliber continuing technical education curricula, such as that provided during the PMPA’s Annual Technical Conference, we ensure that our employees are at the forefront of industry and technology know-how.
- BY WORKING WITH LOCAL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO DEVELOP COURSES AND TRAINING TO PROMOTE THE RESURGENCE OF MANUFACTURING IN THE U.S.
Instrument manufacturers are actively working with local colleges and technical institutes to establish courses and training that will result in the opportunity to provide high-school graduates with a valuable option of going into a trade. Specialized technical curricula will ensure graduates comprehend and can fulfill the responsibilities of a craftsman-type job.
- BY WORKING WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW TO HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
We are committed to bringing technical studies back to the high-school level. As such, we will support organizations who are actively engaged in the promotion and advancement of technology training at the high-school level.
The Instrument manufacturing community commits to pursue a targeted bulls-eye campaign to address the deficit in skilled manufacturing labor force that exists in the China today.
