Machining.Blog® is a weekly blog focused on manufacturing career development. It features blog articles on the fundamentals of manufacturing for aspiring machinists. Our goal is to create an interest in manufacturing in the USA. Our writer Matthew Schowalter has worked in manufacturing for 24 years, and he covers the topics that matter to someone starting their career in manufacturing.

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“The soft skills the machinist uses are the unseen tools in their box and can directly impact the success or failure of a dreamed after machining career.”

Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, on a Consistent Basis

Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, on a Consistent Basis

If you work in the manufacturing industry there is a good chance you have seen firsthand how the skilled manufacturing worker shortage affects your job. When there are more people retiring and less new people coming into the field, it can have negative effects on the industry. I have looked into the worker shortage crisis since 2015, and I came up with a phrase to help fix the shortage, “We Must Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, on a Consistent Basis”. I call it the 4-Cs of manufacturing.

Communication – We must find ways to communicate with the younger generations about career opportunities in manufacturing. These opportunities are highly technical jobs that can pay well. Consider providing guidance on the types of jobs available in the industry, while showcasing the potential for career growth and advancement.

Collaborate - Another consideration is we must now communicate with others that are facing the same worker shortage problems and collaborate with them on finding solutions to the problem.

Connect – By reaching out on social media and connecting with others in the industry that are facing similar challenges, we can begin to collaborate with each other on ways to work together to solve the problem.

Consistent Basis – By keeping up the communication, collaboration, and connecting on a consistent basis we can start to close the employment gap within our unique situations in our communities. In other words, network with others and find industry partners while increasing outreach to communicate with the younger generations.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Machine Shops

7 Habits of Highly Effective Machine Shops

Cardinal Manufacturing Book

Cardinal Manufacturing Book