1. topic: MANUFACTURING
What can manufacturers do now to address
the growing skills gap and better position
them for future success?
advice:
A significant obstacle for Manufacturing’s continued suc-
cess is a shortage of skilled workers. An American Society
for Training & Development research survey reported
that 67% of respondents reported a “moderate to severe”
shortage of available, qualified workers. Worse, another
56% anticipate the shortage becoming worse in the next
three to five years as baby boomers retire. Addressing this
talent shortage begins by having manufacturers analyze
how business goals align with the hiring, training, and
managing their workforces as an entire system, much like
they do with their production system. Lean organizations
are better prepared to address these shortages because
of their focus on systems and processes. By implementing
Lean in this area, manufacturers can create a workforce
management strategy that maps to business objectives
and establishes metrics to measure progress similar to
what an organization would do to improve their produc-
tion areas. Additionally, Lean organizations understand the
importance of workforce development and put processes
in place to make it easier for knowledge to be transferred
between team members.
Brian Wilson
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER
513-948-2095
Wilson@techsolve.org
www.techsolve.org