Many manufacturers struggle to find qualified applicants for all types of jobs. From engineering to warehouse management, it always seems as if there aren't enough qualified applicants for open positions.
There's also a growing concern among manufacturers that high school and college graduates are going into other industries, tightening an already shrinking labor pool.
To address these gaps, STIHL, the German equipment manufacturer, has kicked off a project entitled Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp. Who need s’mores and campfires when you can learn how to make power saws?
The Concept behind Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp
The camp is free to attend, and represents a collaboration between STIHL and a United States-based non-profit, “Dream It. Do It. Virginia.” The organization, created by Virginia's technology leaders, seeks to help people learn about careers in advanced manufacturing.
During the four days when high school students participate in the camp, they work in teams under the guidance of experienced manufacturing and technology leaders. The students create a project, develop a project plan, and then set up and run their own production line. The campers work through a complete manufacturing production line from “order” implementation through the finished product.
On the last day of camp, the student teams create a marketing pitch for their product and present it to a panel of judges, thus including manufacturing sales and marketing in the complete range of manufacturing industry skills they learn.
This year, 14 students participated, with 10 new campers and four returning campers.
Implications for Canadian Manufacturers
STIHL’s Summer Manufacturing Technology Camp represents an innovative method for encouraging students to consider a career in the world of manufacturing. By providing a free camp that allows them to learn, explore, develop, and grow their skills, the industry benefits as well as the students.
In Canada, similar activities expose high school students to manufacturing. Clow Canada, for example, hosted 45 students in November 2016 for manufacturing day to show them their plant and help them explore a potential career in manufacturing. Canadian colleges, including the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology, provides formal education in the world of manufacturing.
It's not enough to identify a problem. Manufacturers as a group are problem-solvers. Problems like too few applicants for manufacturing positions need to be solved at their root by engaging more young people in the exciting world of manufacturing. American’s STIHL-based summer camp and Canada’s manufacturing days at plants like Clow show that students, once they see what manufacturing is really like, can get excited about careers in the field.
BAASS Business Solutions, Inc.
BAASS Business Solutions provides software, consulting, and services for manufacturers. For over 25 years, we’ve helped businesses harness the power of data and analytics through business intelligence systems, enterprise resource planning systems, human resources information systems, and much more. Talk to us today about how BI can help you build a better business. Call 905-660-1285 or 1-888-650-5544 or contact us online.
