$62 billion spent on education, and $20 billion spent on ‘training, employment, and social services,’ and yet precision machining shops all over the country are unable to find skilled machinists.
Over $82 billion in education and training spending and yet- skilled machinists are nowhere to be found.
Graph via Thomas Lee Dunlap
Data
smoothspan says:
Yeah, it’s great. Our community college just had a big expansion. Vocational remotely resembling training for machinists is limited to welding, though it is a good program (been there, Tig’ed with that!).
What they built is a bunch of fine arts stuff, including a new theater. That will surely keep America in the forefront of manufacturing power.
Cheers,
BW
http://www.cnccookbook.com
Mary Kaye Denning says:
“Money can’t buy love”! Why are skilled Manufacturers sitting in the stands as bystanders and letting others be responsible for Leadership. Manufacturing is an addiction of the best kind; isn’t it time you put yourself in the game and attract the right talent because your company has something great to offer.
speakingofprecision says:
Many are providing training, Mary. Thanks for the Beatle’s reminder. Our point was, “Just what is our money buying?” Thanks for connecting.
speakingofprecision says:
Thanks for the (sad) report from the trenches.
Mary Kaye Denning says:
During the past year, I have been providing access to on-the-job training programs that are ideally suited for most job shops. It is true that “many” institutions may provide training; however, I cannot see how this training will work if the educator is not directly engaged with the manufacturer, especially in a highly specialized job shop.
Repeatedly, I observe that when manufacturers are offered access to on-the-job programs like PROJECT HIRE, many are not applying. It appears that these business owners are more comfortable leaving money on the table than being accountable for a formal training program in-house.
It is also my observation that mechanically inclined persons may not be inspired in a classroom setting. Yet, when given a tool and the opportunity to exercise their capability the same student excels. I am not saying that excellence in training isn’t already happening; I am simply asking if it is happening enough. And, if not, why not?
Greg MacPherson says:
If manufacturing wants well qualified machinists it better build it’s own. Relying on public education to lead the way into the future is one of those sign’s of insanity – “…expecting a different result…”. The best way I have seen to date is in-house training programs including class time to key in on the needed skills, coupled with outside classes in math, computers, & CNC programming where available. The cost looks formidable up front, but the accdelerated results and rapid rise of employees into profit generating assets cannot be easily dismissed. People need to earn money as does a company. They both have their needs and dreams. Getting there quick is more rewarding in every sense of the word. My travels have shown me the distinct difference between shops that believe in education and training of their assets, and those that will just pay to get those people, but have no depth or self sustainability beyond that. The first thrives, the latter withers and eventually dies a bitter death when circumstances change.
speakingofprecision says:
Thank you Greg, your comments ring true to me. I have always looked at the ends of my own arms for the ‘helping hands’ I needed. But when we look at all of the money that the bureaucrats burn through, it seems like a few million for creating skilled machinists is a worthy idea. Thanks for sharing.