Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1189790
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 9 F O C U S WO R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T Carolyn Brodsky Founder and CEO, Sterling Rope ( B I D D E F O R D / 7 5 E M P L O Y E E S ) The sector's biggest workforce challenge: "Government getting in the way." Further thoughts: "Our greatest challenge right now is that the economy is booming and most of the available workforce is working, or being paid not to work, or don't have the proper paperwork to work. We need to figure out a way to help those folks who want to work but aren't, and those who have immigrated here, whether legally or not, to be vetted (use our veterans!), taught English (use our retired teachers!), if theirs is not good or non-existent, so they can communicate and understand the requirements of the job. We all need people to fill the jobs available … The challenge is to develop policy that encourages working and for companies to do the training." Sterling Rope's 2020 workforce goals: "We are actively engaged in creating a new onboarding and training process. We are auditing all staff and senior managers and determining where their skills gaps are to help them address those gaps. On the plant floor, we actively cross train. Our goal is to create a positive culture with employees who get great satisfaction from their job so that they stay with Sterling." manufacturers based here, or nearby IDEXX Laboratories. at's prompted Lanco to take a more proactive, long-term approach to recruiting and workforce development. Strategies include tapping Maine's community and public colleges for summer interns and entry-level jobs; hosting factory tours for school groups from elementary through college level and mentoring high school robot- ics teams; and limited recruiting in New Hampshire. It has also provided machines for students to work on at the University of Maine's Advanced Manufacturing Center in Orono. "We've struggled in the past getting people to move to Maine," says Lanco President and CEO Ed Karabec, who's led the company for 30 years. "Going to Detroit and trying to bring people to Maine is not a solution. e only way we can develop our workforce is with recent graduates." NEW TO CMCC DIGITAL BADGING Enhance your digital resume with a digital badge! Check out the spring lineup of courses to give your resume a boost. (207) 755-5280 • workforcedevelopment@cmcc.edu www.cmcc.edu/professionaldevelopment Notice of Non-discrimination: Central Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more information, please call Barbara Owen at 207-755-5233 or bowen@cmcc.edu. • Supervisory Skills • Computer Certifications • Customer Service • Time Management • Project Management • Beginner and Advanced High Pressure Boiler Operator • Phlebotomy • Basic Life Support Certification Taking the first steps to make your idea a reality is often the hardest part, but it doesn't have to be. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you to continue moving forward today! LET US HELP TAKE YOUR IDEA TO THE NEXT LEVEL. CONTACT US High-tech manufacturing demands more than a typical building. We built Enercon's home in Gray to stand as a reflection of its industry stature —a technology leader. At Sheridan, this is how we build on our promise. W W W . S H E R I D A N C O R P . C O M ENERCON TECHNOLOGIES Gray, Maine A signature facility for a technology leader. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » M A N U FAC T U R E R Q U I C K TA K E S We need to figure out a way help those folks who want to work but aren't. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C A RO LY N B RO D S K Y Gary Merrill President and CEO, Hussey Seating ( N O R T H B E R W I C K / 3 1 0 E M P L OY E E S ) The sector's biggest workforce challenge: "Like many in our industry and state, recruit- ing skilled employees in manufacturing and engineering trades has been challenging. In general, expanding and retaining tal- ent in the state is crucial, and we have been very involved with Educate Maine and MaineSpark in these initiatives." Hussey Seating's 2020 workforce goals: "We take workforce development very seriously and work closely with local vocational and univer- sity programs to help shape career-focused educational opportunities. Besides an intern- ship program, we also have a renewed focus on onboarding and training to ensure that when we do find that top talent that they're set up for success from the second they walk through the doors at Hussey Seating." Like many in our industry and state, recruiting skilled employees in manufacturing and engineering trades has been challenging. F I L E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY