Renewed Efforts to Close Workforce Skills Gap   

Training a qualified workforce hits especially close to home in manufacturing. The growing shortage of qualified workers could weaken manufacturers' ability to capitalize on future growth. But, manufacturing companies along with the public education system have renewed vigor and innovation to close the skills gap.

The June issue of Enterprise Minnesota® magazine features three articles that describe how manufacturers and public educators are partnering to meet the daunting demands of finding future personnel that are well trained to meet the future challenges of an increasingly sophisticated industry.

In "Building the Next Generation of Manufacturing Employees," writer Kate Peterson describes how companies are trying to attract high school students to machining jobs. Alexandria-based Douglas Machine, for one, implemented a scholarship program that not only provides full tuition at a community college, but also a part-time job while students are in school. Douglas also provides generous a tuition reimbursement program to help employees move through the ranks.

The Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA) has adopted a school through "Project Lead the Way," which encourages high school students to see the possibilities of careers in manufacturing by letting them tour plants.

Some community colleges have created advisory groups with manufacturers to help develop curriculum. At Alexandria Technical and Community College, President Kevin Kopischke credited the partnership with local manufacturers, combined with dedicated faculty who stay abreast of industry changes and needs, for the machine trades program having a wait list.

The vital role that Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are taking to train this workforce is featured in an indepth Q&A-style interview between Enterprise Minnesota President & CEO, Bob Kill, and Steven Rosenstone, the new MnSCU chancellor. Said Rosenstone: "A core business - if not the core business - of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is preparing people for the work that needs to be done in Minnesota."

He added that MnSCU is working to deepen its understanding of the precise skill sets that are needed so academic programs can be realigned to turn out quality graduates. "The people best equipped to tell us are the people out there in the business industry trying to get the job done," Rosenstone said. Employers are telling him, he added, that they need employees who can think creatively, work in teams, and understand and use problem-solving and innovation.

Rosenstone also said technical colleges are partnering with high schools to offer weekend and summer programs to foster early relationships.

In "Fast-Tracked Talent Pool", some manufacturers are filling management positions with current employees thanks to a fast-track degree program offered at Minnesota State University-Moorhead's Operations Management program. 

The program's graduates are uniquely qualified for industry leadership positions because they have both technical and business education. 

Half of the 100 or so students currently in the program have just completed their technical degrees. The others are working adults returning to school to advance their education, many with support from their companies.

For more information on these stories and more, go to
the June issue of Enterprise Minnesota Magazine which will be available online June 5.

The Best Approaches to Marketing
in Manufacturing

June 27, 2012
8am-11am Argosy University, Eagan, MN
Registration: $79 Early Bird (before June 12) or $110 regular
Register Online Now!
 

What to Expect

• Can you define the value of marketing for your business?
  

• Is marketing a part of your business strategy?
  

• How can a strategic marketing program contribute to your revenue, profit and growth goals?
  
  

Deb Bly, Enterprise Minnesota Business Growth Advisor, will define true marketing and demonstrate how a focused, strategic marketng plan can drive your business growth and profitability.

Deb brings a solid background in strategic marketing, product marketing, branding, pricing and channel management. She has more than 20 years of experience in identifying new opportunities to grow revenue through new products and markets with in-depth analysis and interpretation of market segments. Prior to joining Enterprise Minnesota, Deb served as senior marketing manager of new business corporate for Bloomington-based The Toro Company, where she also served in positions as director of marketing for commercial products. Previously, Deb worked for Fridley-based Cummins Power Generation as director/general manager of the mobile business group and as director of marketing for the consumer products division.  

To register for "Best Approaches to Marketing in Manufacturing" Business Event on June 27, 2012
go here