The shortage of skilled technical manufacturing candidates is undeniable. Manufacturers have had to make drastic changes to their recruiting and candidate attraction practices. Many employers are now offering relocation packages for positions that historically they were able to fill with the ease of placing a newspaper ad. Shockingly, data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the employment numbers in manufacturing are still significantly lower than they have been in the past eight years; despite a large recovery beginning in 2010. What does this mean for the manufacturing industry?

Manufacturers like most employers, found ways to work more efficiently with less people during the recent recession. New technologies, processes, and lean manufacturing have all contributed to employers in manufacturing being able to do more with less staff. It appears the recruitment struggle nationally remains for skilled and experienced talent in technical manufacturing including CNC Operators, CNC Programmers, Field Service Technicians, Tool and Die Makers, and Engineers.

Experts agree the skilled talent shortage is greatly attributed to attrition and a decreasing number of candidates choosing a career in manufacturing. What does this mean for you as an employer? According to the Conference Board, postings for skilled workers is up 152% in the past three years. Employers are competing against each other to attract and maintain talent in manufacturing, arguably more than ever before. How can you give your company a competitive edge in recruitment?

• Offer relocation packages and assistance to new staff.
• Offer additional training opportunities for new and existing staff.
• Encourage your current employees to refer other experienced talent by offering referral bonuses.
• Be an advocate for a positive working environment.
• Produce a diverse product line that offers stability to your staff.
• Partner with an industry experienced staffing firm to locate passive candidates who may not be applying for jobs actively.
• Make sure that your compensation packages are appropriate for the skill and experience level of your staff.
• Actively engage in employee recognition and appreciation practices.
• Create a brand that is recognizable and respected by those in the industry.

The struggle to attract and retain skilled technical manufacturing talent will not be short lived. As product specs increase in difficulty and precision, skilled staff are essential to your production processes. An organization’s ability to produce and compete in their industry has a direct link to the skill level of their production staff, be sure to make it a priority for your business today!

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional and technical manufacturing workers? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out professional or are skilled in technical manufacturing and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.