The United States is the leading producer of cutting-edge plastic products, and U.S. companies will continue to create new and better items. A key driver to that innovation today is a well-trained labor force, but maintaining that status will depend on securing qualified workers.
With a need for capable employees, manufacturers must get more creative in their hiring and talent-development strategies. That means thinking differently when it comes to mining for potential talent.
As a result, plastics industry executives are learning they can’t begin too soon when it comes to attracting young people to manufacturing careers, and providing continuing education opportunities for current employees. Companies must use training practices that are adapted to adult learning styles.
Plastics manufacturers typically invest their recruiting dollars in traditional recruiting platforms. But today, they can leverage the use of new channels, such as the social media followings of current employees, to secure like-minded professionals for little to no cost. For example, for a manufacturer in need of a production engineer, current members of its engineering staff can promote an employment opportunity on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Human resources departments drive an organization’s recruitment and retention to create a workforce that’s productive, fully engaged and highly motivated. In addition to HR strategy, empowering line management and communicating with employees are key elements to sustaining an employee base. Although some turnover can infuse new talent and bring new perspectives to the organization, basic recruitment and retention are the concern of HR and company leadership.
Companies also must work to build a positive corporate culture to develop a reputation as a good place to work. As the marketplace becomes more and more competitive, every position truly starts to become a key position.
Learn more about training for plastics with these links to apprentice programs, internships, lean/Six Sigma and college programs dedicated to the plastics industry.