Recruiting a Skilled Workforce:
Mass-TEC Holds Information Session on Advanced Manufacturing

As part of its three-year, grant-funded initiative, Quinsigamond Community College’s Mass-TEC project held its first outreach event, “Advanced Manufacturing: It’s Not Your Father’s Manufacturing! An Information Session for Career Counselors,” for Worcester-area career counselors on February 27^th in the downtown offices of the Central Massachusetts Regional Employment Board.

The purpose of this first event for career counselors was to provide attendees with an understanding of the term “advanced manufacturing;” give them an overview of the present state of manufacturing in Central Massachusetts; explain the skills, education, and knowledge required to become a successful employee in the field; and show the potential for career growth.

After a brief event overview and introduction by the Mass-TEC project director, Jonathan Latner, of Commonwealth Corporation, explained that advanced manufacturing was any type of manufacturing where technology (e.g., computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, computer numerically controlled machines, automation, and robotics, etc.) is used to design, manufacture, or handle a product. He then provided a data-driven overview of the current economy, Massachusetts employment trends, and state wage information for manufacturing and other employment sectors. Included in his presentation, Jonathan also gave a number of reasons why a person might choose a career in manufacturing (e.g., wage/salary, opportunities for growth, diversity of fields and jobs, etc.).

Presentations on entry-level skills, by Ted Bauer of Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, education pathways, by Kathy Rentsch of Quinsigamond Community College, and career ladders, by Cathy and Steve Phillips of Phillips Precision Co., all reiterated that the nature of work is changing and that opportunities for career growth in manufacturing is possible. Today’s employees, however, need to have problem-solving, communication, and technical skills, understanding of basic math, the ability to work in teams, and the motivation to continually upgrade their skills, training, and education in order to be successful in the 21^st century workplace.

Participants were also given a tour of the Mobile Training Unit (MTU), where Matt Healy and Kathie Mahoney, of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, described the purpose and function of the Mobile Operator Skills Training (MOST) program.

The majority of attendees felt that their understanding of manufacturing career choices improved after attending the event; some expressed that they had “no idea of growth and opportunities in this field” and were interested to know that “career prospects do exist.” Highlights for participants included the personal of Cathy and Steve Phillips, Ted Bauer’s insights into the industry, Kathy Rentsch’s information on education paths, Jonathan Latner’s report on the current status of manufacturing, and the tour of the MTU.

Future events with career counselors will include roundtable discussions with manufacturing employees, human resources representatives, and company owners. In order to continue expanding the awareness of area career counselors, and other members of Mass-TEC’s target audience (i.e., parents, teachers, and guidance counselors), the project needs support from area industry representatives.

Keep informed about Mass-TEC project activities by visiting the project’s blog (http://centralmasstec.wordpress.com/) or following its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/centralmasstec/).

The presentation from this event is available for download:

• February 27th