Bridging the Skills Gap: Attracting and Keeping Top Talent in Sheet Metal Fabrication

The manufacturing industry is facing a real challenge. We’re talking about the skills gap – that growing chasm between the skilled workers we need and the skilled workers we can actually find. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s impacting businesses across the country, including right here in the sheet metal fabrication sector. At EVS Metal, we’ve seen it firsthand, and we know it’s a concern for many of our clients and partners, too. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are concrete steps we can take, and are taking, to attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.

The Problem: Why is There a Skills Gap?

Several factors contribute to this widening gap:

• Baby Boomer Retirements: A huge wave of experienced workers is retiring, taking decades of knowledge and expertise with them. This “silver tsunami” is hitting manufacturing particularly hard.
• Outdated Perceptions: Many young people (and their parents!) still view manufacturing as a dirty, dangerous, and low-tech career path. They don’t see the exciting reality of modern, technology-driven manufacturing.
• Lack of Training Programs: Vocational training programs and apprenticeships have declined in many areas, leaving fewer pathways into the skilled trades.
• Rapid Technological Advancements: The industry is evolving rapidly, with automation, robotics, and advanced software becoming increasingly common. Workers need to constantly update their skills to keep pace.

Solutions: Attracting the Next Generation

Here’s where we get practical. To attract new talent, we need to:

1. Rebrand Manufacturing:

We need to actively combat outdated stereotypes. This means showcasing the modern, high-tech reality of manufacturing through:

• Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even TikTok to show young people what a career in manufacturing really looks like. Highlight cool technology, innovative projects, and diverse teams. (EVS Metal could create short videos showcasing their facility and employees.)
• Partnerships with Schools: Collaborate with local high schools, technical colleges, and community colleges to offer tours, workshops, and internships. Let students see the excitement firsthand.
• Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced employees with younger workers to provide guidance and support.

2. Invest in Training and Development:

• Apprenticeships: Revive and expand apprenticeship programs, offering a structured pathway to gain on-the-job training and earn a competitive wage.
• In-House Training Programs: Develop internal training programs to upskill existing employees and provide opportunities for advancement.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Offer financial assistance for employees pursuing further education or certifications.
• Cross-training: By cross-training employees, companies are able to improve skill sets, and make their workforce more agile.

3. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Wages: Pay competitive wages that reflect the value of skilled labor.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Offer attractive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Growth Opportunities: Clearly demonstrate career pathways and opportunities for advancement within the company.

4. Create a Positive Work Environment

• Value your Employees: Appreciate them with small gestures, like a thank you, or a company-wide pizza party. At EVS, we celebrate the holidays with an all-hands party, including our annual game of bingo for fun (no, really!!) prizes.
• Foster Teamwork: A team that works well together will thrive, and will build a great company culture.
• Take Suggestions: Value employees suggestions to understand what can be improved. At our holiday party, the co-founders and current president and vice president both take questions from anyone who is in attendance, even if they might not always be easy to answer.

Solutions: Retaining Existing Talent

Attracting talent is only half the battle. Keeping your skilled workers is just as crucial:

1. Invest in Employee Development: Provide ongoing training and opportunities for skill enhancement. This shows employees that you’re invested in their growth.
2. Recognize and Reward Excellence: Implement a system for recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance. This can include bonuses, promotions, or simply public acknowledgment.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance: Offer flexible work arrangements where possible, and encourage employees to take time off to recharge.
4. Foster a Culture of Respect and Collaboration: Create a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and respected.
5. Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication between management and employees. Regularly solicit feedback and address concerns promptly.

Wrapping Up

EVS Metal has been a leader in precision sheet metal fabrication for over 30 years. We’ve seen the skills gap evolve firsthand and have adapted our strategies accordingly. Our team includes highly skilled engineers, machinists, welders, and operators. We have a deep understanding of the skills required for success in this industry. We also employ and train a wide array of people in support roles. We’re actively involved in industry associations, and stay up-to-date on the latest workforce development trends, and we’re committed to transparency and sharing our knowledge to benefit the entire manufacturing community. We believe that addressing the skills gap requires a collaborative effort.

While the skills gap in manufacturing is a significant challenge, it’s not insurmountable. By working together – industry, educators, and government – we can attract and retain the skilled workforce we need to thrive. At EVS Metal, we’re committed to being part of the solution, and we encourage other companies to join us in this effort. By investing in our people, we’re investing in the future of manufacturing. Let’s build that future together.