The manufacturing skills gap poses a major hiring challenge, with many firms unable to find workers with needed technical abilities. Creative approaches are required to recruit for critical operational roles. Working with a trusted manufacturing staffing agency can enable you to tap into expanded talent pools and hire qualified candidates through:
Apprenticeship Programs
Manufacturers should consider offering paid on-the-job apprenticeships that combine work experience with classroom learning. This approach allows you to train candidates who display high potential but may lack direct manufacturing experience currently. A manufacturing staffing agency partner can assist by helping source promising apprenticeship applicants and provide guidance on implementing effective programs.
Internal Development Plans
Make the most of your existing workforce by providing current employees with training opportunities to transition into hard-to-fill manufacturing roles. Options like tuition reimbursement, skills certifications, job rotations, mentorships, and onsite training can all help expand your internal talent pipeline. Identify top existing team members who would thrive in key roles with further development.
Partnerships with Trade Schools
Proactively connect with regional trade schools that offer instruction in manufacturing skills. Build an ongoing talent pipeline by offering trade school students site visits, guest speaking roles, scholarships, or part-time work opportunities. A manufacturing staffing agency can help facilitate introductions and partnerships with relevant schools in your area.
Referral Bonuses
Leverage your current staff's networks through referral bonuses. Offer enticing bonuses to employees who recommend candidates from their personal networks that ultimately get hired. This incentivizes your team to tap their contacts and draw new talent in.
Cast a Wide Geographic Net
Don't limit your recruiting to just candidates in your immediate geographic area. Remote and hybrid work options make it possible to recruit skilled team members from other cities or states as well. Expand your search nationally.
Diversity Initiatives
Actively recruit from groups traditionally underrepresented in manufacturing like women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities to significantly widen your talent pool. Develop diversity partnerships and targeted outreach.
Social Media Recruiting
Build a talent community on sites like LinkedIn by frequently sharing manufacturing job openings, company culture highlights, employee spotlights, and skills training content. Social recruiting significantly expands your reach to new candidate networks.
Conclusion
Overcoming the manufacturing skills gap requires creative techniques for sourcing, engaging and ultimately hiring qualified talent. Partnering with an expert manufacturing staffing agency provides access to expanded candidate networks and resources to help fill even your most challenging roles.
