Manufacturers Struggle to Fill Good Paying Positions Due to Lack of Workforce Availability and Readiness

Currently manufacturing industries in our region and all around the state are experiencing a skills gap when hiring new workers. The industries are struggling with workforce availability and readiness. They have a great need to hire more people within their businesses, but those individuals applying do not meet the basic entry level needs of the industries. Cultural and educational standards have changed to the extent that entry level requirements are unfamiliar to the incoming workforce. Work force availability and readiness is not where it needs to be for employers who offer good pay and benefits.

Part of the issue could be the widespread mindset that manufacturing industry limits possibilities for the employee. Nothing could be further than the truth. In today’s manufacturing industry, there are opportunities to move into fields of engineering, sales, mechanics, technical areas, and other great paying areas within the manufacturing industry.

The gap is widely recognized as a problem. Economic and political speaker, Roby Brock, addressed the issue in pre-Business EXPO questioning when asked what we at the chamber level could do to help the situation. Brock said,

“Be prepared to provide the education and tools of the trade to adapt to what employers need and what future employers may require. That sends a signal to businesses that the community is ready and interested. For current and future workers, instilling a philosophy of change and being prepared to adapt is crucial to success. The region already has the facilities to make this happen. It’s more about attitude and the ability to make a project happen at this point.”

Efforts are being made on all fronts to confront the issue. Local high schools are beginning to recognize and take steps to better equip their students for the workforce. They are looking at working with local industries to learn the needs and to provide programs where students can gain a better understanding of the qualifications needed. Some industries are offering or looking at offering internships or even summer work programs. The Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce already has a committee of local industry leaders working toward solutions.

Recently, ASU-Beebe held a Young Manufacturers Academy for high school students to introduce them to the manufacturing industry. They explained, “The academy introduces students entering grades seventh through ninth grades to all facets of the manufacturing industry through hands-on activities and simulation based learning. The participants will also travel to industry locations for on-site interaction with manufacturers.” The State Chamber of Commerce brought their “Be Pro Be Proud” mobile unit, and students were able to experience the industry first-hand. In today’s digital and electronic laden society, it seems key that students get an early experience with hands-on introduction into these fields.

Many people outside of the manufacturing industry may not realize that manufacturers provide many benefits to a new hire. Some people excel in the manufacturing industry. There are many different avenues within manufacturing that offer a wide range of possibilities in leadership and management roles, technology, maintenance and mechanics, tool and die, HVAC, engineering, CDL drivers, safety and environmental, and even computer technology to name a few. Today’s manufacturing industry is highly computerized. But in the present-day push for everyone to move on to higher education there is much opportunity lost for taking advantage of the benefits these positions offer. 

In fact, there is a vast need and opportunity in industry training. Sometimes students graduate from high school and move on to pursue 2 or 4-year degrees when they could be getting certified in a field that may give them higher earning potential and better benefits than their degrees. People in the manufacturing industry often have many opportunities to get reimbursed for coursework or degrees obtained that may benefit their company and further their own careers in the long run. Often industry employees have the opportunity to move up to higher level positions, to acquire leadership skills, and to move on to different areas within the company. In several fields, industry pay levels are often just as high as or higher than those requiring degrees.

The missing skills that manufacturers are searching for are often those called “soft skills.” Soft skills include good communication, listening skills, following directions, and seeing a task through to a successful end. Basic math skills in measurements and percentages are often needed. Teamwork, multi-tasking, and an attitude of willingness are necessary requirements for entry level positions. However, it all starts with good interview skills, passing a drug test, and being able to put together a good resumé. 

Recent graduates or individuals looking for a new field of work would be wise to hone their skills in these areas. It could be a fast pass to good pay that will provide benefits, vacation time, and security for their future along with opportunities to move up the ladder and pursue goals in a field they never realized could fulfill their career expectations.