The winter season up north may conjure images of icy roads and cold temperatures, but for FlexTrades’ Technicians, it presents a unique set of advantages. These advantages stem from the increased demand for winter-related products and the specialized skills required to meet the needs of the season. In this article, we’ll explore why FlexTrades Technicians should consider going on assignment up north during the winter months.
Increased Demand for Winter Products
Winter brings a surge in demand for items such as snowmobiles, winter clothing, and heating equipment. Manufacturing facilities up north ramp up production to meet this demand, creating numerous opportunities for FlexTrades Technicians.
Seasonal Spikes & Overtime Pay
Orders and demand tend to spike during the winter months for many manufacturing employers in northern regions. Generally, these spikes result in increased opportunities to work overtime hours (at increased payrates). This can substantially boost your per-project income, making it an economically advantageous choice for FlexTrades Technicians.
Stable Employment
Industries like agriculture or tourism often experience significant seasonal variation, but the manufacturing sector in northern regions tends to maintain more stable employment throughout the year. FlexTrades Technicians can rely on manufacturing jobs as a consistent source of income during the winter months.
Comfortable Indoor Facilities
Modern manufacturing facilities up north are equipped with well-insulated and heated indoor environments. This means that FlexTrades Technicians can work comfortably and safely, even in harsh winter conditions.
Skills Development
Winter manufacturing jobs often require specialized skills, such as working with cold-weather materials or winterizing products. FlexTrades Technicians can gain valuable experience and expertise in these areas, thus enhancing their skillset and gearing them up for future projects.
Networking Opportunities
Working up north during the winter season provides FlexTrades Technicians with opportunities to connect with industry professionals specializing in cold-weather manufacturing. These connections can be valuable for future projects and collaborations.
Adventure & Exploration
For those who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities, working up north during the winter can be an opportunity to explore and experience the region’s unique winter culture and recreational opportunities during downtime.
Personal Growth
FlexTrades Technicians who embrace the challenges of working up north during the winter can develop valuable personal attributes such as resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments. These skills can be beneficial for both personal and professional growth.
Financial Security
The combination of higher pay rates, bonuses, and the potential for year-round employment can provide FlexTrades Technicians with financial security. This stability allows them to save, invest, or plan for their future with confidence.
The winter season up north offers FlexTrades Technicians a range of advantages, from increased income and job stability to skill development and personal growth. While it’s important to consider personal preferences and family commitments, working up north during the winter can be a rewarding choice for those seeking unique career opportunities and experiences in the world of manufacturing.
Our clients find us, and we find them the skilled technicians they need to support their in-house talent. But where can you find FlexTrades online?
The easy answer is, “Everywhere.” We’re on virtually every social media platform you can think of, so here’s a handy guide to help you catch us on your platform of choice.
Find us on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @flextradesusa
You can always find us online at our website too, flextrades.com
We share new content daily and it will always educate, inform, or entertain you. Whether you’re looking to know more about FlexTrades and how we support manufacturing, understand the reasons why our technicians choose to work with us, learn ways we can help you advocate for the skilled trades, or you just want to see funny memes – we’ve got a blog, video, or post for you!
Check us out the next time you’re idly scrolling. We promise you’ll see what we mean! And, as always, be sure to follow, like, subscribe, and share!
The year is almost halfway done, but there is still time to take advantage of the knowledge, technology, and value that manufacturing trade shows and expos bring to US manufacturing for both employers and employees.
Design-2-Part has many shows throughout the year (in spring and fall) and across the US, so find one near you! The greatest thing about Design-2-Part is the story behind Founder, Ben Edwards and how he began Design-2-Part shows.
Start planning now because this one is happening in Denver, CO August 7-9th in 2024. In fact, 2024 will be the 63rd annual show! Put on by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the goal of this show is to bring together safety professionals for three days of educational sessions. There also are educational exhibits regarding the safety profession as well as safety innovation in the workplace. It’s called “the conference that’s by safety professionals, for safety professionals”.
Happening August 9 and 10, 2023, in Grand Rapids, MI, you could join 3000 manufacturers and manufacturing experts to explore all things automation, metalworking, or mechanical. If there is one to go to in 2023, this might be it!
PACK Expo is a show with multiple events across the United States (as well as the world). At these shows, it’s all about packaging and processing solutions. Join Pack Expo Las Vegas from September 11th through the 13th this year!
During this two-day FREE expo, you’ll find a multitude of suppliers with expertise in molding machines and auxiliary equipment, equipment parts, molds and runners, design & molding software, and many other support services. Get to Novi, MI to experience this event on September 20 and 21 of 2023.
Coming to Indianapolis during the fall of 2023 (October 10-12), are the big thinkers thinking about IIoT, 5G, cobots, and other Industry 4.0 technology as it relates to all types of manufacturing industries. You’ll find a little bit of everything related to automation, robotics, industrial data, AI, supply chain software, IIoT, as well as smart infrastructure.
From October 17-19, top manufacturers and businesses from the aviation industry will come together in Las Vegas to showcase the best of the best in aviation technology and aircraft.
Southtec / Westtec
Southtec is one of four Manufacturing Technology Series events and it’s happening in Greenville, SC from October 24-26th. Westec is another one of the four series events only it’s happening in Long Beach, CA from November 7-9, 2023. Houstex and Eastec have already come and gone in 2023 but don’t worry, all four will be back in full for 2024 because this one is backed by some of the biggest industry advocates, The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and
We just missed this one for 2023 (it was April 18-20th) but they are already planning for 2025 (in Cleveland, OH) and so should you. This is the place to be when it comes to precision machining and precision machined components.
Skills USA is a great event with a different goal than most manufacturing expos. This one is about bringing together workers, leaders, students, and teachers to promote careers in trade and technical occupations. This one wrapped up June 23rd of this year, but they’ll be back again next year!
With over 1 million square feet of exhibit space, this expo is the largest plastics tradeshow in America. Make it a point to register in 2023 for the five-day event happening in Orlando, FL from May 6-10, 2024.
The Modex Show is happening March 11-14 in Atlanta GA next year (2024). Promat is show similar to Modex that has come and gone for 2023. However, both are shows put on by MHI (The Material Handling Industry) with the goal of connecting professionals in the supply chain industry.
That’s a Wrap:
Find one you like and give it a whirl. You’ll likely meet great industry contacts, be able to talk about yourself and your products, as well as learn a little (or a lot) something new!
Every technician has a toolbox, but what do you NEED to have in it? While there’s no “right” answer, here is a list of tools that FlexTrades’ most successful technicians always have in their toolboxes – and some recommendations for the average Joe, too.
Hand Tools
Wrenches
Hand Drivers
Pliers
Hammers
Chisels & Punches
Files & Deburring Tools
Power Tools
Drills & Drivers
Cutters & Saws
Grinders & Sanders
Measuring Tools
Calipers & Micrometers
Square
Scale
Indicators & Edge Finders
Miscellaneous
Flashlights
Calculator
Markers & Soapstone
Notebook
Hand Tools for Your Toolbox
Wrenches
Machinists and maintenance technicians need a good set of wrenches, ratchets, and sockets in typical SAE and metric sizes. A good adjustable wrench and a set of Allen wrenches are also must haves. Most also carry a quality torx set because of their prevalence in industrial settings.
Hand drivers may be the toothbrush of tools; rarely appreciated though used every day, but that’s what makes them essential. Every technician prefers a power tool for any job, but sometimes you can’t get power tools where they need to be. A good selection of hand drivers with varied lengths and a multitude of heads (slotted, Philips, square, etc.) can often be a big job saver.
Whether used for holding work pieces, trimming and stripping wires or turning the nut a wrench can’t reach, a technician can never have too many pliers. From slip-joint to locking and needle-nose to linesman’s, make sure this tool is well represented in your bag.
Technician or not, everybody knows about hammers, but those used in manufacturing aren’t your father’s claw hammer. It doesn’t matter if you need to set tooling and fixtures, make repairs, fine adjustments, or just knock something loose. A good collection of specialty hammers such as ball peens, brass, and dead blows will more than pull their weight in the shop.
Sets of up to 1” for chisels and punches can go a long way for working on tooling, fixtures and finished work pieces. Having them may also be the difference between saving the machine, the tool, or your fingers from unnecessary damage in the process.
Files and deburring tools are integral for finish work on parts and features for both machinists and welders. Owning a great set of both is often all that separates a tedious job from an impossible one especially when dealing with fine materials or high tolerance pieces.
Drills and drivers replace hand tools, where appropriate, to save time and physical strain. Recent advancements in battery technology now allow many companies to make great entries in this field. However, regardless of brand, the choice will always be between power and physical profile (smaller drills = smaller, less powerful batteries). Be honest about the work you do most or be prepared to see this collection grow quickly.
Cutters and saws help make faster, more accurate, cuts more often than hand tools. You can choose from corded or cordless varieties, and both have their advantages. The convenience and portability of cordless versions normally win in most scenarios. Remember though, it’s still a battery tool. The same considerations apply to these as mentioned for drills and drivers.
A quality belt sander and an angle grinder, with both cutting and grinding heads, are essential for rough maintenance and fine finish work. It doesn’t matter if you’re a welder, machinist, or maintenance technician – you will have to clean up weld slag or tool chatter at some point. Pro tip, if you need to use either for more than a few minutes at a time, go with the corded version. Cordless sanders and grinders drain batteries quickly!
A quality 0-1” micrometer and a good 6” caliper will take any machinist a long way by accommodating most typical sized work pieces and features. If you need a bigger range for your daily work, then your toolbox is probably already in great shape without this list. Pro tip: Analog dials never have batteries die, but digitals have fewer parts that need cleaning to maintain accuracy over time.
Square
Machinist square or combo square, both will help you start and check your work. You won’t get far without one or the other. When buying, go for sturdy over fancy.
Scale (Ruler)
A 6” scale is standard, and I recommend sticking with metal for durability and accuracy. Indicators and edge finders are essential for setting your axis, finding the edge of your part and fine-tuning settings. A scale is often overlooked, but you’re simply not a machinist without it. *Pros can get their measuring tools piece by piece or in a kit to meet all needs, like this one from Insize. But most Joes can get by with just a good tape measure like this classic from Stanley.
Miscellaneous Items
Flashlights
Flashlights make it easier to do work when you can see it. Get a few and make sure at least one has a flexible head. Magnetic bases frequently come in handy too.
Calculator
Don’t use your phone as a calculator – there’s a greater chance you’ll wreck it. A calculator capable of performing trig functions is a must for multi-axis machining.
Markers/Soapstone
Being able to read your markings on greasy, oily metal is essential in production environments and being able to remove the markings after is a plus.
Notebook
This is your most important tool as a technician because it allows you to reference work you’ve done and make sure you can apply that previous knowledge to the current job at hand.
Tool Storage
When you go to the job, your tools need to come with you. FlexTrades’ traveling technicians all need a quality toolbox that is portable, adjustable, and lockable. This 22-inch rolling system from Husky is a great option! If you’re wondering what to do with the tools you decide to leave at home, they need to be stored properly as well. We suggest you watch this interview with Stor-Loc, a great American-made option, before deciding on your next tool chest!
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Every work site has its own requirements for PPE, but they all begin with boots. Steel or composite safety toes are the standard, but built-in internal metatarsal protection boots are becoming more common all the time. Waterproofing, slip resistance, and electrical ratings are other things to consider when buying boots. Something like this pair from Red Wings checks all those boxes.
Hard hats or helmets, safety glasses, and hearing protection are often provided by the employer, but every technician has a favorite that works best for their job. When you find yours, buy two immediately!
Position specific equipment like auto-darkening visors for welders and respirators for painters are also PPE worth considering.
While this list is not definitive, it’s a great start to building your kit. See what your toolbox is lacking and consider adding some missing items.
If your collection already includes everything mentioned above, and you know how to use it, you’re probably ready for a career in the manufacturing industry. Send your resume to marketing@flextrades.com and we’ll get you started!
How It’s Made – Plastic
Plastic has been around for much longer than most of us know. In its earliest form (some say as early as 1600 B.C.), plastic was produced by Mesoamericans who harvested latex from the Panama Rubber Tree and processed it with liquid from the Morning Glory Vine. However, the production of plastic (as we now know it) started many years later when Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) was invented during the 1930s. Since then, there have been other types of plastic discovered and invented with each having its own strengths and weaknesses, which ultimately determine the end use.
So, how is it made?
Step 1: Raw Material Extractions
Crude oil and natural gas are extracted (drilled) from the ground then transported to a refinery.
Step 2: Refining
During the refining process, these natural materials are turned into multiple products including ethane and propane (which are the foundation of plastics). The refining process is very similar to how gasoline is made. With the assistance of a high-temperature furnaces, as well as pressure, ethane and propane are broken down into smaller molecules creating ethylene and propylene.
Step 3: Polymerization
In this stage, catalysts (a.k.a. chemicals) are added into the process and bond individual molecules into a polymer. When heated, polymers are incredibly moldable, making them great for plastic products. There are two ways in which this polymerization process can occur, and each way makes its own polymer (or resin), and each resin has its own set of pros and cons (which ultimately determines the end product it’s used in). You can find resin types in the Resin Identification Codes (RICs) on plastic products. Resins include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (PS) among others. PET is the most commonly used plastic in the world.
Step 4: Nurdle Making
You read that right… now it’s on to nurdle making! Nurdles are little plastic pellets made from the resins created in the polymerization process. The process to do so is through melting and cooling operations. Once these lentil-sized pellets are produced, they are shipped from a petrochemical refining facility to manufacturing facilities where they are melted down and formed into a final product.
Step 5: Plastic Forming & Fabrication
Manufacturers compound, mix, and melt the plastic pellets with other ingredients to very specific recipes. When followed, these recipes determine the characteristics and properties of the plastic product. The melted plastic is then formed into shape by plastic forming machinery, which is determined by the application of the product.
Common Machinery Used to Form Rigid Plastic Products Includes:
Injection Molding
Extrusion Molding
Blow Molding
Compression Molding
Thermoforming
Rotational (Roto) Molding
Polymer Casting
If you are a plastics manufacturing company, or someone who has worked in a plastics manufacturing facility, you likely fully understand this process. If not, check out our blog page to see what else we can help you understand better. Regardless of where you rate your plastics knowledge, keep reading because did you know that FlexTrades can help you find the right people for your company and/or the right job for yourself, too, regardless of industry? Check us out online at FlexTrades.com to learn about all that we can do for you.
Manufacturing as an industry has taken some hits over the years, but it’s always proven to be very resilient. Even with the pandemic, the threat of a recession, a retiring (and limited) workforce, as well as supply chain issues, manufacturing came out stronger on the other side of it all. In fact, Deloitte forecasted a 2.5% growth in GDP for 2023. How about that for resilience?
Listed below are four ways manufacturing will stay strong and come out ahead in 2023… and beyond.
Technology:
5G networks, cyber security, cloud adoption, IOT (the Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), AR (Augmented Reality), and VR (Virtual Reality) are all investments that manufacturers are finding value in. The implementation of this technology enhances efficiency and effectiveness across the production floor.
Supply Chain Review:
The pandemic really brought out flaws in supply chain management as it relates to manufacturers. As a result, companies are reassessing their supply chain and looking toward ways to become more supply chain resilient. By diversifying vendors and vendor locations, manufacturers will still experience disruptions but not at the levels witnessed in 2020.
Smart Factories:
Manufacturers are seeing that implementing smart technology in their production process reduces operating costs while also improving efficiency. And rather than implement it piece-by-piece, manufacturers are adopting the technology system-wide, wherever possible.
Data & Analytics:
Manufacturers are focused on collecting data. Data, when combined with analytics and technology, provides manufacturers with an opportunity to understand their operations more accurately than ever before. This allows them to see actionable insights in real time without high costs and long waits. In fact, this market is forecasted to grow by 16.5% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) between 2019 and 2026.
What It All Means:
So, what does this mean?
In short, it means that skilled trade work isn’t going away. It means skilled trades workers will still be needed because manufacturing will continue to prove its resiliency and, as a result, continue to grow.
Join the FlexTrades team today to experience top notch pay, the opportunity to travel, and the ability to work and learn new skills with some of the greatest manufacturers in the United States. If you’re new(er) to manufacturing, don’t worry – we have that covered too. Join our ReTool team for the opportunity to upskill and train for the dream job you desire. And if you’re a manufacturer yourself, consider FlexTrades as a labor solutions provider.
When COVID-19 hit, consumers and manufacturers alike quickly learned just how fragile the global supply chain was. They also learned just how important supply chain resilience is. Let’s talk about both now.
What is Supply Chain Resilience?
Supply chain resilience is the ability to withstand and minimize the effects of supply chain disruptions. It is planning and preparing for possible disruptions; the goal of which being fast response and recovery when those disruptions occur. It is not being invincible to interruptions but rather being able to overcome them without a big impact to operations and / or customer deadlines. But how is supply chain resilience accomplished? That’s a great question. Supply chain resilience is going to require big changes by manufactures in three key areas… technology, processes, and people.
Technology:
Reviewing old technology, adopting new technology, and always looking for emerging technologies is critical. Technologies that help overcome supply disruptions include:
Real-time analytical tools
ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning software that manages the entire business from finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and more).
Integration of systems and software across the supply chain including those from suppliers, warehouse systems, stores/customers, etc…
Processes:
New Forecasting Techniques:
Oftentimes, company forecasts focus on their own needs as it relates to demand. If demand is this, we need to do this. But companies need to dig deeper than that. Dig into what the supply chain looks like for suppliers, the demands and risks suppliers could be facing and how those demands and risks will affect operations.
Note: It’s very important to truly understand the products and goods that bring the most value to an organization. Build a commodity management strategy for these products which essentially allows for the management and coordination of all items related to these key products, including procurement, production, and distribution. This can be helpful when facing an inevitable disruption to the supply chain.
Build In Inventory Buffers:
Yes, it can be costly to no longer operate in a just-in-time fashion, but what’s even more costly is missed deliveries and lost customers when there’s no inventory.
Supplier Diversification: This could mean asking existing partners to supply parts from a wider variety of manufacturing locations, or it could mean adding in new suppliers with locations and processes different than that of current suppliers.
Note: To implement multi-sourcing, calculate the revenue impact of the disruptive event (i.e., natural disaster, global or localized pandemic) that occurred.
Nearshoring or Reshoring:
Upon first thought, nearshoring seems to be the opposite of supplier diversification. Many believe supplier diversification means offshore suppliers, but a diversified supply chain is one that focuses on companies locally, regionally, domestically, and globally. The local and regional level can be more expensive, but it also shortens both cycle and delivery times.
People:
Build relationships with 3PLs and contract manufacturers. Diversifying partnerships with 3PLs is vital to the distribution of product, and contracting other manufacturers for the production of a product is important, too.
Upskilling: A manufacturer’s workforce is critical to surviving supply chain disruptions. A cross-trained workforce lessens the need to be reactive in hiring and eases challenges caused by supply chain issues.
Create a commodity management team and a supplier management team. These two teams understand supply chain to its fullest, its pricing (particularly as it relates to demand), and the general manufacturing market while also building great relationships with suppliers for mutual benefit in the future.
Enacting these tools takes time, attention and money in the short term, and it’s hard to commit to spending more money now for a potential risk in the future but the risk is ultimately worth the investment.
What do you think? Do you have any question? Feel free to reach me anytime at kmooney@flextrades.com.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military invasion in Ukraine. The unrest continues today.
As a defense partner and military ally to Ukraine, (the United States established diplomatic relations with Ukraine in 1991 following Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union), companies like ours have committed time, energy and resources by providing aid, financial assistance and delivering humanitarian support in Ukraine.
In fact, on February 28, 2023, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed American businesses during the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) board meeting. NAM CEO, Jay Timmons, stated “Manufacturers in America will continue to stand with Ukraine.”
Here are a few examples of American manufacturers supporting Ukraine during this war.
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Co. (WAFCO) drastically increased their production efforts to build 3,000 medical sterilizers for UNICEF. UNICEF has been buying sterilizers from this company since the 1970s.
MSA Safety Incorporate is a leader in the development and manufacturing of safety solutions and products to protect people and infrastructure. Core products include self-contained breathing apparatuses, gas and flame detection systems, and fire and rescue helmets. To support the war on Ukraine, MSA Safety Incorporate donated over $400,000 worth of safety equipment to Ukrainian firefighters.
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is a leading American company specializing in digital products and systems that protect, control, and automate power systems with the goal of preventing blackouts and improving power system reliability. With their expertise in hand, SEL manufactured equipment to help monitor and manage substation equipment in Ukraine.
In the small town of Lima, Ohio, there is a big production facility (25-acres large) doing big things. In this building, owned by the Army and operated by General Dynamics, you can find about 800 skilled trades personnel disassembling Abrams tanks down to the hull and rebuilding them until they’re good as new again.
AeroVironment out of Arlington, Virginia, generously donated unmanned aircraft systems and drones in addition to ramping up production to meet contract requirements with The Defense Department. This isn’t surprising considering their support after 9/11 led them to become the world leader in small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
General Electric’s Gas Power division has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to manufacture for and supply Ukraine a mobile gas turbine power plant. By doing so, this piece of equipment could supply at least 100,000 homes with electricity as well as hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure.
In addition to all of these, MANY manufacturers have committed hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars to Ukraine to support efforts in defense, rebuilding, emergency and medical services. Check out this list of manufacturers who have already donated and pledged to continue to donate until the war is over.
Of course, this isn’t all the companies in the U.S. supporting Ukraine. Even if we tried to list them all, we wouldn’t be able to. Manufacturing is a complex and interwoven industry supplying anything and everything during war and peacetime.
If you’re looking to support Ukraine, a great place to start is here.
The core of FlexTrades’ business is addressing the skills gap in manufacturing. This is a big undertaking when one considers that the latest analysis shows a skills gap of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by the year 2030.
But the skills gap isn’t just something occurring in manufacturing. It’s happening across all industries, so what can employers and employees do to combat this issue? Upskill!
What is Upskilling?
Upskilling is a term used to describe the process by which employers provide learning and training opportunities to develop the skills and experience of their employees.
Upskilling can also be done on an individual level. This happens when an employee finds, and takes, opportunities to learn new skills while increasing their marketability as a candidate.
Upskilling – What Does it Mean for Employers?
As an employer, the first step towards upskilling (and ensuring the success of upskilling) is to understand that it takes a shift in culture.
Upskilling is a long-term investment, and it’s important for company leadership to make upskilling a priority.
Employees are always wondering what they can do next, and without commitment from management and executive leadership, they will look to grow somewhere else. Need proof? Just look at the great resignation.
Right behind low pay, the biggest reason an employee leaves a job is because they can’t see (or aren’t given) opportunities for advancement. It is critical that the right upskilling opportunities are being created by, and talked about, across the company. Even though employees want to be given room to grow, they don’t always know what upskilling means or how to make it happen.
Some great ways to create an upskilling program as an employer include:
Allow employees to “own” their career and then ensure management supports that while the company enables it.
Empower your employees to speak openly about opportunities they want or need.
Invite employees to participate in tasks or projects outside of their department.
Ask your workforce what they want, what their goals and interests are, and where they want to go.
Ensure that there are formal programs available, through HR or Learning & Development, that allow for upskilling on the job to meet employee needs.
Employers – How to Upskill
There are a number of ways to upskill your employees… or yourself. Consider the following:
On-the-job Training, Mentoring, Job Shadowing, And Peer Coaching:You might not think you have the time to execute the above, but think about this. Finding the time to train a new employee when a current employee departs is a lot harder than upskilling.
Hire External Experts or Specialists:This could ease your concerns about finding the time to train and upskill, but it might have a steeper price tag than in-house training.
Job Rotation:Move employees between jobs in an organization to build skills, knowledge, and competencies.
Provide Additional Responsibilities to Employees:Be careful with this one. If it doesn’t meet the employee’s desire for upskilling, it will be considered “extra work” and will not benefit you or the employee.
Provide Virtual Courses (e-learning) with a LMS (Learning Management System):Provide courses available to employees during their own time and courses assigned by the company (and considered required).It can be beneficial to reward your employees for taking these, whether that be free lunch one day, PTO hours earned, or a financial reward of some sort. Provide opportunities for formal education or training with a third party, educational institute, or something similar.
Road Map the Path From One Company Role to the Next:Be clear about what next level work and jobs require from a skills perspective. Encourage employees to self-analyze their skills against those, ensure management does the same thing, and reward progress or milestones. This puts ownership on both the employee and the employer. Having a clear path of expectations for progression within a company makes it easier to determine how to get there.
Request Feedback on Training, Learning, Development & Upskilling Effort:It might seem that you’re doing a good job once you start upskilling, but if you don’t know if the efforts are working for your employees, you’ll still find them leaving for other opportunities.
Employees – How to Upskill
If you’ve made it this far and are looking to upskill yourself, than you probably have some solid ideas on what you should be doing, right?
Request Upskilling Opportunities From Your Employer
The first thing you need to do is have an idea of what “upskilling” means to you – what do you want to learn, why do you want to learn it, what are some ways your employer can help you learn it, and in what way can it be provided? These are all great questions.
Upskill Yourself
Don’t count on others to do all the work. Upskilling is just as much about you as it is your employer. Go out there, find the ways in which you can upskill yourself, and do it!
Take a free or paid for course (online or in-person).
Hire a career coach or mentor.
Conduct interviews with those in your industry or roles about what they do and what you can do to get to that level.
Join groups or become a member of associations in your trade or industry.
Map out your career – where are you now, where do you want to be, and what is required at all the stages in between?
Spend some of your free time learning on an individual basis. Start small with microlearning and build up from there.
Research other opportunities. See what other employers are doing – do they have clear career paths with milestones for their employees? Do they have an LMS or course-based learning opportunities?
What You Put Into It
Upskilling is an investment in time, energy, and cost. If you’re a manufacturer who would like to upskill but still need to fill a temporary skills gap, contact FlexTrades today.
Likewise, if you’re a skilled technician, you can join our team because working across the United States, with a variety of manufacturers, is a surefire way to upskill yourself!
Thanks for taking the time, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
In general, there are two types of job markets, a candidate-driven jobs market and an employer-driven jobs market. As it stands today, the United States is in a candidate-driven jobs market, but what is that and what does it mean?
What is a Candidate-Driven Jobs Market?
A candidate-driven jobs market happens when candidates have the upper hand. What this means is that jobs are abundant and employees (candidates) call the shots.
What Does a Candidate-Driven Jobs Market Mean for Employers?
It’s time to rethink compensation. Where can improvements be made? Is company-wide compensation equal or better than the competition?
Candidates are prepared to negotiate pay, perks, and benefits. Companies should be willing to negotiate and also willing to concede, if necessary.
Reconsider the years of experience required. This invites those with fewer years of experience to apply and, oftentimes, it’s those applicants who are most eager to do the job.
Make sure that there is room for advancement. Having an upskilling path and a plan for the advancement of every employee is critical to retaining employees.
Think again about the critical skills needed in a role. Are there any “must-haves” that aren’t really “must-haves?” Make those skills a “nice-to-have,” and watch the applications roll in.
Not everyone is actively looking for a new job. Targeting passive candidates who aren’t seeking new jobs may be interested in what else is available.
Recruiting Top Talent is Hard
In this market, it can be hard to recruit (and retain) top talent. That’s where FlexTrades comes in. With our technical knowledge and team of skilled technicians located nationwide, we can help you and your company find the people you need to continue thriving. Contact FlexTrades today to learn how we can help your company bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be as a manufacturer.
