From the Blog
Outsourcing Trend May Reverse
For years manufacturing jobs in the United States disappeared as companies shifted to cheaper labor markets abroad. One country that benefited from this is China. Investments in business ventures combined with a totalitarian regime that pushed projects forward without debate benefited the country.
For years manufacturing jobs in the United States disappeared as companies shifted to cheaper labor markets abroad. One country that benefited from this is China. Investments in business ventures combined with a totalitarian regime that pushed projects forward without debate benefited the country.
Manufacturing Sector Shows Improvement
The labor market has seen improvement in the last couple of months. Job gains have exceeded expectations. One area that has seen growth has been the manufacturing area. Although numbers do not compare to levels of the past, it is still good news for the economy. Manufacturing companies have added jobs in two consecutive years. Until last year, there had not been a single year when manufacturing employment rose since 1997. Institute for Supply Management has been surveying American manufacturers since 1948 and recently reported that its employment index for December was 55.1, the highest reading since June. Any number above 50 indicates that more companies say they are hiring than say they are reducing employment.
The labor market has seen improvement in the last couple of months. Job gains have exceeded expectations. One area that has seen growth has been the manufacturing area. Although numbers do not compare to levels of the past, it is still good news for the economy. Manufacturing companies have added jobs in two consecutive years. Until last year, there had not been a single year when manufacturing employment rose since 1997. Institute for Supply Management has been surveying American manufacturers since 1948 and recently reported that its employment index for December was 55.1, the highest reading since June. Any number above 50 indicates that more companies say they are hiring than say they are reducing employment.
Jobs In Demand In Skilled Trades
Manufacturing jobs have been hit hard in America. Severe job losses in this sector have occurred for years due to automation and outsourcing. There has been one segment of this field that has seen growth consistently even during the most recent recession. Employers are actually having difficulty filling positions in the skilled trades. What makes these jobs different from other manufacturing positions is the skill set required. These are not low to medium skill level jobs that are vulnerable to outsourcing to cheap labor markets. These positions require a high level of technical expertise combined with scientific and mathematical knowledge. Examples of these positions include industrial welding, CNC machinist, and tool and dye workers. Companies have positions open in these fields but have a hard time filling them because applicants do not have the necessary skills. Some corporations like Siemeens are forming partnerships with training schools to attract candidates. One concern that employers have in filling these jobs is the loss of older workers. As baby boomers retire with years of experience, finding qualified applicants to replace them is difficult. Students and younger workers are reluctant to enter into training programs in the manufacturing sector due to the belief that there are no opportunities in it. They do not want to put in months of education in a field where they believe there is no future. There will continue to be challenges in linking good candidates to these jobs.
Manufacturing jobs have been hit hard in America. Severe job losses in this sector have occurred for years due to automation and outsourcing. There has been one segment of this field that has seen growth consistently even during the most recent recession. Employers are actually having difficulty filling positions in the skilled trades. What makes these jobs different from other manufacturing positions is the skill set required. These are not low to medium skill level jobs that are vulnerable to outsourcing to cheap labor markets. These positions require a high level of technical expertise combined with scientific and mathematical knowledge. Examples of these positions include industrial welding, CNC machinist, and tool and dye workers. Companies have positions open in these fields but have a hard time filling them because applicants do not have the necessary skills. Some corporations like Siemeens are forming partnerships with training schools to attract candidates. One concern that employers have in filling these jobs is the loss of older workers. As baby boomers retire with years of experience, finding qualified applicants to replace them is difficult. Students and younger workers are reluctant to enter into training programs in the manufacturing sector due to the belief that there are no opportunities in it. They do not want to put in months of education in a field where they believe there is no future. There will continue to be challenges in linking good candidates to these jobs.
Manufacturing is a Pretty Accessible Career Choice
My husband used to work in manufacturing, and while he was laid off, there seem to be many other manufacturing jobs available. Unfortunately most of them are a commute of at least an hour or longer away from us, making the trip there and back too much for what the jobs are worth. Still, these are the jobs that call back most often, and it’s no wonder why. They train you as soon as you start (usually paid training), don’t expect a lot of experience, offer decent pay for a basic skill set, and even have flexible shifts; most manufacturing plants that I know of have an early day, afternoon, and evening shift.
My husband used to work in manufacturing, and while he was laid off, there seem to be many other manufacturing jobs available. Unfortunately most of them are a commute of at least an hour or longer away from us, making the trip there and back too much for what the jobs are worth. Still, these are the jobs that call back most often, and it’s no wonder why. They train you as soon as you start (usually paid training), don’t expect a lot of experience, offer decent pay for a basic skill set, and even have flexible shifts; most manufacturing plants that I know of have an early day, afternoon, and evening shift.
Interview with Manufacturing Worker
Recently Tish, a worker who makes medical carts, offered to take a break and tell me about her busy job. Tish works four days a week, often with ten to twelve hour shifts, and starts her day very early—around 2:30 or 3:00 AM—so she can get home and take care of her son, Kenneth, who is six and in kindergarten. How did you come to work at this job? I just knew somebody who worked there. She was my friend and she was working there for years and she said she could get me a job there. I was applying for work all over the place but I couldn’t get a job. Nobody seemed to be hiring or they had a lot of people applying. It’s a beginner’s job and you don’t have to have experience. What does your job entail?
Recently Tish, a worker who makes medical carts, offered to take a break and tell me about her busy job. Tish works four days a week, often with ten to twelve hour shifts, and starts her day very early—around 2:30 or 3:00 AM—so she can get home and take care of her son, Kenneth, who is six and in kindergarten. How did you come to work at this job? I just knew somebody who worked there. She was my friend and she was working there for years and she said she could get me a job there. I was applying for work all over the place but I couldn’t get a job. Nobody seemed to be hiring or they had a lot of people applying. It’s a beginner’s job and you don’t have to have experience. What does your job entail?