NAM, Skills USA partner to prep students for manufacturing leadership

A new national partnership to prepare more students for career leadership in advanced manufacturing and help meet the industry’s growing need for highly-skilled employees was announced recently by the National Association of Manufacturers, its Manufacturing Institute and SkillsUSA at the SkillsUSA Awards Ceremony in Kansas City, MO.

By Staff July 17, 2007

A new national partnership to prepare more students for career leadership in advanced manufacturing and help meet the industry’s growing need for highly-skilled employees was announced recently by the National Association of Manufacturers , its Manufacturing Institute and SkillsUSA at the SkillsUSA Awards Ceremony in Kansas City, MO.
“America can’t compete without skilled workers,” said John Engler, president and CEO of NAM. “Our Dream It. Do It. manufacturing careers and economic development campaign is creating strong regional alliances to raise awareness among young people about manufacturing’s high-paying and rewarding careers. The SkillsUSA network will enable us to reach more students directly in their schools with fun, hands-on programs that teach teamwork and other important workplace skills.”
“This alliance is a clear sign that the NAM values career and technical education and its critical role in the country’s economic success,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director, SkillsUSA. “We look forward to working more closely with the manufacturing community to create mentoring programs and teach students across the country about career and personal success.”
Nationally, the skilled worker shortage is reflected in the 2005 Skills Gap Report commissioned by NAM and its Manufacturing Institute. The gap will increase with the retirement of the Baby Boom generation and rapidly advancing workplace technology. Among the findings of the 2005 Skills Gap Survey of manufacturers nationwide:
• Skills shortages are having a widespread impact on manufacturers’ abilities to achieve production levels, increase productivity, and meet customer demands.
• More than 80 percent of respondents indicated that they are experiencing a shortage of qualified workers overall.
• Nearly half of all respondents indicated their current employees have inadequate basic employability skills such as attendance and work ethic.