Solution V

Solution V: Market Manufacturing Careers

Goal 1: Establish a Marketing Manufacturing Steering Committee
Goal 2: Develop marketing/public relation plan including performance measures
Goal 3: Determine coordination/funding for all targeted marketing activities
Goal 4: Facilitate statewide participation and partnering

Manufacturing Image:

From WTCS research, manufacturing employers universally voice a growing sense of concern about the lack of available "worker skills" to employ new technologies and process improvements. Focus groups also strongly demonstrated a concern about "industry image"; specifically concerning recruitment of the future workforce. Employers agree that a key factor for the present and future success of manufacturing is the ability to attract and retain the right people (employees and leaders). In order to accomplish this, an "image makeover" is necessary if we are to attract sufficient numbers from future generations into manufacturing careers.

Progress to Date:

A Manufacturing Careers Marketing Committee has been formed. Representatives from the WTCS, WMC, Wisconsin Department of Commerce and public utilities have agreed to address the challenge of the talent shortage in manufacturing. Plans have been made for statewide initiatives for recruiting the next generation for manufacturing. Strategies will initially target young people with a “branded” image campaign based on models similar to that produced by Moraine Park Technical College www.iamwimanufacturing.com

For more information contact the following individuals:

Kyle Schwarm
Executive Director, Statewide Marketing
Wisconsin Technical College System
(608) 266-0050
kyle.schwarm@wtcsystem.edu

Last modified: March 8, 2005