by Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC
With over 900,000 current openings in American manufacturing nationwide, and a workforce shortage projected to reach over two million in the next five years, American manufacturing faces a talent crisis. I’m sure this isn’t news to anyone and most know there are initiatives across our region, and the entire country, aimed at developing the talent pipeline and accelerating the process. In fact, as this article was published, I’m returning from a ‘Stronger Together Manufacturing Mission” in Germany. Prior to the trip, I wrote this article (Part 1) to provide some background about the trip and will be excited to write Part 2 about my experience and lessons learned for the December issue upon my return.
NWIRC’s November newsletter issue was going to print, I was returning from a ‘Stronger Together Manufacturing Mission” in Germany. Prior to the trip, I wrote this article (Part 1) to provide some background about the trip and will be excited to write Part 2 about my experience and lessons learned for the December issue upon my return.
The basic goal of the trip is to facilitate deep conversations and share best practices in vocational training between Germany and the U.S. When I heard about the opportunity to apply, I did not hesitate a moment, and when I got word that I was selected to be in the first of three groups, I was thrilled. My traveling group includes 15 colleagues from across the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network and from various workforce development mission-based organizations. The trip was coordinated by America Works (a MEP program), in partnership with the American Council on Germany (ACG). The trip is mostly paid for by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany through funds of the European Recovery Program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). I was chosen to participate because of NWIRC’s commitment to assist manufacturers in northwest and northcentral PA with developing their talent pipeline, training employees, and helping to enhance their workplace culture. I was also chosen to share our direct experiences with special programs, such as student-run manufacturing enterprises and the Uniquely Abled Academy to reach and train next generation and underserved populations.
Prior to our travel, we were provided information on Dual Vet, the vocational education and training apprenticeship system in Germany, various research reports, and other reading material to help prepare us. While in Germany, our group will visit vocational schools, large and small manufacturers, and workforce-focused non-profits to learn more about Germany’s cutting-edge techniques, programs, and tools for vocational educational training – including apprenticeships, Industry 4.0 training, and bootcamps that engage underserved populations – that can benefit U.S. manufacturers in the future. While the U.S. and many countries have apprenticeship systems, Germany’s model is known and highly respected internationally for its rigorous structure, strong collaboration, and mutual benefits for employers and apprentices. Through our scheduled visits in the three cities of Bonn, Koblenz, and Mainz, we’ll learn about the certifications offered, how Industry 4.0 is being taught, the details about their apprenticeship system, as well as talk to VET students to learn what attracted them to their programs.
Developing the future talent pipeline in advanced manufacturing has been, and will continue to be, a strategic priority at NWIRC. I see this opportunity as a potential game changer. I expect to learn from the best, gain first-hand experience, and get fully entrenched to maximize my understanding and to stretch my thinking. I am looking forward to new perspectives and insights, contributing to the conversations, and exploring opportunities to innovate with my colleagues to address the talent crisis facing the manufacturing industry. When people with similar goals get together to rally on an issue and focus on solutions, great things happen. I look forward to sharing my experiences and potential outcomes from the trip. Stay tuned next month for details of the ‘mission’ and successes learned from our partners in Germany.