NEWS

Making manufacturing matter to next generation

Wisconsin

"Dark. Dirty. Dangerous." "Manufacturing is going away." "Stay in school so you won't have to work in that factory."

These are just some of the misconceptions that are common about manufacturing, and these negative beliefs have had an effect. Our manufacturing workforce is aging, and the younger generation is not showing interest in getting the skills needed to replace these workers.

Manufacturing long has been the economic driver for the United States. According to Manufacturing Institute, U.S. Manufacturing is the world's eighth largest economy. Every dollar in final sales of manufactured products supports $1.33 in output from other work sectors. This is by far the largest multiplier of any employment sector.

Competition and the need for innovation have caused manufacturers to become high-tech operations. Computers, robotics and cutting-edge technology have become the norm in manufacturing. No longer can one walk from their high school graduation and into a job at most manufacturers. Manufacturing positions require skill sets that are much different than even 10 years ago.

The tradeoff for acquiring these needed skills is well worth it. Manufacturing careers have salaries and benefits (health care, vacation) that greatly outweigh those found in nonmanufacturing jobs. Despite these positive features, manufacturers are struggling to fill skilled positions.

This "skills gap" has become a nationwide problem. Positions in engineering (electrical, mechanical, chemical, etc.), information technology and the trades (plumbers, electricians, mechanics, pipefitters, welders) are going unfilled due to the lack of skilled applicants. This problem will continue to grow as the majority of people currently in these skilled positions will retire within the next five to 10 years. QWI Online reports that workers who are 45 years and older make up more than 64 percent of the manufacturing workforce.

In Wood County, action is being taken to close the skills gap and introduce manufacturing careers to youth. The Heavy Metal Bus Tour, founded by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, has taken more than 250 middle and high school students on tours of local manufacturers (including NewPage facilities). Students need to know that there are amazing careers (at some amazing businesses) that are available right in their own backyard.

Incourage Community Foundation has brought business and education leaders together to form the Business and Education Committee. The committee (which includes NewPage representatives) has held open discussions on the skills that are needed at local manufacturers. Tours and classes have been held at both manufacturers, and schools to get an understanding of the opportunities and challenges each group faces. The committee looks to find ways to energize youth in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math.

One of the many "wins" from the Business and Education Committee has been the expansion of the youth apprenticeship program between schools and manufacturers.

Tyler Wolosek is a youth apprentice at NewPage's Research and Development, or R&D, facility. The apprenticeship is a state sponsored program that matches what a student learns in the work experience to his or her curriculum in school. Those who successfully complete the program get a state certificate.

Tyler's science teacher recommended him for the program, which will look great on his resume as he furthers his education in a science-related career after high school.

"Most 16-year-olds wouldn't have the chance to experience this amount of technical knowledge and responsibility," Tyler said. "R&D works as a team. There is excellent communication between departments, and safety is stressed from day one. I enjoy working here and would recommend this opportunity highly to anyone who has the chance to take it."

The committee will continue to reach out to manufacturers and schools to increase these internships and help develop future leaders in manufacturing.

The adjectives that should be associated with manufacturing include clean, modern, challenging, exciting and rewarding. If you walked through a NewPage mill, you would quickly observe work involving instrumentation, chemistry, physics, computers, robotics, accounting and several trades — and this would be just a short walk along the paper machine. We need to stop mindset of manufacturing being "what used to be" and start believing in what it is: a place where innovation, creativity and discovery happen daily; a place for a rewarding career.

Phil Hartley is communications/public relations manager for NewPage Corp.