Hardware Podcasts

Doing the Dirty Work: How to Find Qualified, Consistent Labor w/ Gary Konarska

The Manufacturing Executive · 15 Sept 2020 · 32m · Episode 14

What this episode covers

Gary Konarska, Executive Director & CEO of the American Welding Society (AWS), discusses the critical shortage of skilled labor in manufacturing, driven by Baby Boomer retirements and a historical stigma against vocational trades. He explains how AWS addresses this through initiatives like the Careers in Welding website, scholarships, and mobile VR welding simulators to attract new talent. Konarska advises manufacturers to engage with local vocational programs, offer apprenticeships, and invest in upskilling existing employees on automation and robotics to remain competitive.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
American Welding Society, Lincoln Electric Company, Gorilla 76
Also
Careers in Welding

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 06m

    219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork

    Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin, co-founders of Skillwork, explain how their company addresses the manufacturing skills gap by applying the travel nursing model to skilled trades. They discuss Skillwork's 'four-legged stool' strategy, which combines travel staffing, direct hiring, upskilling, and education, supported by a rigorous eight-gate vetting process that reviews 1,000 resumes weekly. The founders highlight the importance of rebranding manufacturing jobs to move beyond the '3 Ds' (dark, dangerous, dirty) and creating lifestyle options for workers, such as travel opportunities for empty nesters.

    Hiring & workforceStarting a product company
    9 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 48m

    150: When Will We Actually Close the Skills Gap? Featuring Ann Wyatt

    Ann Wyatt, President of Ann Wyatt Recruiting, discusses the evolving manufacturing skills gap, noting a shift from mechanical maintenance to mechatronics and automation roles. She advises manufacturers to treat hiring as marketing, emphasizing short hiring processes, strong employer branding on social media, and recruiting transferable skills from industries like tech and hospitality. Wyatt also highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs and daily cultural engagement to improve retention.

    Hiring & workforceCareers & education
    7 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 43m

    BONUS: What Manufacturers Can Learn from Central Wisconsin's Workforce Strategy (LIVE from Wausau, WI)

    Chris Luecke hosts a live panel with Jim Waldron of Wausau Tile, John Peterson of Schuette Metals, Scott Mattmiller of Greenheck Group, Laura Strek of Imperial Industries, and Tom Felch of J&D Tube Benders to discuss the Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance's (CWIMA) workforce strategy. The leaders explain how they shifted from competing for talent to collaborating with K-12 schools, technical colleges, and each other to solve regional labor shortages through programs like the Heavy Metal Tour and youth apprenticeships. They highlight specific innovations, including AI-driven robotics at Wausau Tile and accessible automation at Schuette Metals, while emphasizing that retention relies on mentorship, flexible scheduling, and strong community ties.

    Hiring & workforceScaling production
    7 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 54m

    Leading the New American Manufacturing Renaissance with Andrew Crowe

    Andrew Crowe, founder of the Elevate Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and an instructor at Ranken Technical College, shares his journey from a troubled youth and college graduate to a manufacturing leader. He explains how Elevate bridges the gap between companies, educators, and youth to address the skilled labor shortage by promoting manufacturing as a viable, high-paying career path for underrepresented groups. Crowe highlights the institute's mission to diversify the workforce, reduce recidivism through stable employment, and prepare the next generation for Industry 4.0 technologies.

    Hiring & workforceCareers & education
    5 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 43m

    Stories in Welding, Employee Retention, and Gratitude with Lisa Ryan

    Lisa Ryan, founder of Grategy and author of 'Manufacturing Engagement', shares her career journey from welding sales to medical device sales and her pivot to helping manufacturers solve employee engagement and retention challenges. She discusses the importance of leadership empathy, setting boundaries for remote workers, and changing the narrative around trade schools to attract the next generation of talent. Ryan also highlights the value of investing in training and professional development during tough times to prevent turnover.

    Leadership, teams & cultureHiring & workforce
    7 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Manufacturing Executive. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.