Workforce Development Takes Commitment on Local, State and National Level
Recently, a group of AWFS® and WMMA members attended a virtual D.C. fly-in and met with the offices of 10 members of Congress and Congressional committees. During our meetings, members of our respective associations asked our legislators for their support in funding for workforce training programs, industry apprenticeships, and educational initiatives that will ultimately enable our industry to narrow the skills gap and help to develop a future generation of technically skilled workers capable of succeeding in an increasingly automated manufacturing environment. Although, these meetings are critically important to our Association’s mission, they are truly just the tip of the iceberg. The most impact that all our organizations can make on strengthening our workforce, really begins at a local level.
Society of Wood Manufacturers (SWM), a chapter of AWFS, is dedicated to working directly with the schools and educators behind Southern California’s most successful woodworking programs. From personal experience, this is where it all begins. I have personally met with teachers from these programs and have heard their challenges. I have also witnessed the impact that they’ve had on their students and how they’ve been able to inspire these bright young people to hone their technical and problem-solving skills, while also encouraging them to express their creativity. Most importantly, these educators are planting the seeds that the wood industry is a viable and rewarding career option worth exploring, a message that our organization and others within our industry are doing our best to communicate to young people throughout the nation. Although, they rarely (if ever) get the thanks they deserve, on behalf of AWFS®, I want to express my gratitude to all these incredibly dedicated teachers and the schools that support these woodworking programs. They are essential in helping build the foundation of our future workforce – one student at a time. I not only want to see their work continue, but hope, as a unified industry, we can work toward encouraging additional schools to adopt and support similar programs throughout the country.
In addition to working with local high schools and post-secondary schools, SWM is also plays a major role in planning and facilitating the SkillsUSA California regional and state cabinetmaking competitions. The students that win the state competitions then get to compete against winners from other states in the SkillsUSA Nationals, which are held in huge, raucous arenas with crowds that sound more like fans watching a Final Four competition rather than a skills contest. For those that are not familiar, SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving middle school, high school, and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. They not only teach students the necessary technical skills needed to pursue a successful trade career, but also teach the essential skills necessary to become valuable team members and future leaders of their organizations. With chapters located throughout the country, I encourage everyone to find out how your company can get involved and help these talented, young people in your area, learn the necessary skills to succeed in a trade career while gaining exposure to the many opportunities our industry has to offer. Front Page – SkillsUSA.org
On the first Friday of every October, The Manufacturing Institute sponsors Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Since the inception of MFG Day, AWFS® and SWM has worked closely with local manufacturers, teachers, and schools in the Southern California region to help facilitate successful MFG Day events. I have also seen how these organized tours, Q&A sessions and, in some instances, interactive activities, have had a positive effect in encouraging students to consider opportunities in industries they would not otherwise consider in a typical classroom environment. If you would like to know more about MFG Day and how you can host an event, please visit About MFG Day | Creators Wanted.
In the end, it is important to remember the greatest impact that we can make in securing our workforce for the future is by reaching out to young people BEFORE they’ve made their decisions to pursue a specific career or educational path and taking a proactive approach in informing them about the opportunities that our industry has to offer. Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer or distributor, I’d highly recommend you start by reaching out to the schools and community colleges in your area that have woodworking programs. Yes, it may take a bit of research on your part, but many of these schools are looking for ways to partner with industry. By becoming a supportive industry partner, you can establish a relationship that will enable you to find a source of potential employees with the skills and interest necessary to succeed in your organization.