Attracting, recruiting and training the workforce of tomorrow requires a fair amount of strategy, a little bit of good fortune and a whole lot of hard work.

For AEM service member company Miller Fabrication Solutions, commemorating the manufacturing industry this year meant going beyond traditional activities such as holding onsite open houses and conducting tours at company facilities. It also meant capitalizing on lessons learned from the company’s 2020 activities to transform Manufacturing Day into “Manufacturing Month” via virtual events. More than anything else, however, it meant finding uniquely valuable ways to provide the public with a sense of the different jobs and functions required to produce parts for modern-day heavy equipment.  

“As schools hold in-person classes once again and we cautiously continue down the road to recovery, our company wanted to hold hybrid events – both onsite and virtual,” said Miller Fabrication Solutions President Eric D. Miller. “Our goal is to give every member of the public the opportunity to participate in our version of Manufacturing Month, in which we extend Manufacturing Day festivities throughout October.”

Miller Fabrication Solutions President Eric Miller weighed in on the importance of Manufacturing Day 2021 and the importance of engaging the public about the available opportunities in the industry.

Going Virtual

While the COVID-19 pandemic presented logistical challenges that prevented the company from engaging the public in person to highlight manufacturing jobs and opportunities on Manufacturing Day 2020, Miller made the best of a less-than-ideal situation. The company provided virtual plant tours and launched its “Meet a manufacturing expert” video series. Both event types gave online attendees an up-close look at state-of-the-art equipment and robotics, and provided an overview of several skilled labor roles.

The virtual offerings were incredibly successful. More than 1,000 people across 16 states participated throughout October last year, making it the largest audience the company had ever amassed for Manufacturing Day activities. While participants mostly comprised students, teachers and administrators, Miller also attracted customers whose travel was restricted, as well as key suppliers, vendors and local businesses.

“The attendance and feedback we received from our virtual events last year blew us away,” said Miller. “Teachers told us their students were highly engaged – particularly regarding the career options available and the robotics and machinery in use on the plant floor – while other attendees praised our excellent mix of topics and presenters, thanking us for taking them to ‘gemba.’ It was an honor for us to be able to share our story with so many people.”

 

 “As we all know, manufacturing is competing fiercely for the workforce of tomorrow. It’s our responsibility to the next generation of talent to educate them and tell our compelling stories as to how these future employees will help propel our companies to the next level of success. Now is the time to retire your old tactics and be creative, inspirational and authentic to your brand. The interest will follow.” -- Eric D. Miller, president of Miller Fabrication Solutions

 

 Highlighting the Lifecycle of Heavy Metal Parts Fabrication

The company sought to build on its 2020 successes and reach an even wider audience this year through informative and insightful webinar presentations. Focusing on the lifecycle of heavy metal parts fabrication for OEMs, Miller’s webinars highlight a variety of topics, including:

• Onboarding a new product
• How the part design collaboration process works between Miller Fabrication Solutions and the OEM
• Programming the machinery that will produce the part
• Parts production itself (including machining work, welding and painting, as well as inventory control and shipping).

The webinars showcase the flow of heavy fabrication from start to finish, highlighting the intricacies of heavy fabrication and conveying just how much heavy fabrication differs from other types of manufacturing.

The Importance of Strategic Engagement

Engaging the public about the opportunities available in manufacturing is a critical, ongoing task. It’s also one that requires organizations of all types and sizes to remain nimble when it comes to developing their respective strategies as they relate to attracting, recruiting and retaining employees.

While Miller Fabrication Solutions has successfully responded to COVID-19 pandemic adversity by using fresh, new approaches to its workforce development activities, the company remains focused on the future as it refines its strategy and tactics to ensure the greatest possible return on its investment in time, effort and resources.

Whether it’s offering different platforms for participation, increasing virtual workforce development options or discovering new ways to involve students and administrators, the Miller team encourages everyone in manufacturing to try new ways to leverage Manufacturing Day and build momentum for the industry.

“As we all know, manufacturing is competing fiercely for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Miller. “It’s our responsibility to the next generation of talent to educate them and tell our compelling stories as to how these future employees will help propel our companies to the next level of success. Now is the time to retire your old tactics and be creative, inspirational and authentic to your brand. The interest will follow.”

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