Go to the pros

Today’s small manufacturer is having a tougher and tougher time finding technically-skilled manufacturing workers who can hit the ground running. Start with the manufacturing associations for assistance and advice in finding top-notch people for your small business.

I recommend: At the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), you have two ways to search for the best of the best: first, through the NAM Job Bank (powered by Monster.com), and second, through Recruit Military – at both sites, NAM members get a 10% discount on job postings and resume searches. TRhubnet is an international, independent B2B portal for the manufacturing sectors, where employees in this business can meet, chat, and more. Go to their Trade and Job Board to post your employee needs.

Seek expert assistance

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) understands the impact of employees and employees’ skills on the ability of a small business to be competitive in the manufacturing marketplace. Their regional centers offer assistance to small to mid-sized manufacturers.

I recommend: Check out the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which has centers across the country to provide invaluable advice/service to manufacturers who need a boost in their “people practices”. Under “Find your MEP Center,” click on your state to find your regional MEP, where you can turn for additional hiring info.

Hire a professional staffing firm

Many manufacturers choose to leave the recruiting to the pros in the field. It takes time, knowledge, keen insight and a thorough pre-screening process to find the right person for the job, and recruitment firms are well-worth the price.

I recommend: Go to Aerotek to fill your manufacturing company’s temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct placement staffing needs. Their Perfect Fit Program is made up of 4 elements: Recruiting, Screening, Testing, and Performance Monitoring. With more than 120 offices nationwide to provide employees at every level within your business - from general labor and clerical, to light technical, to skilled trades - Aerotek has everything you need… and then some.

Focus on the foreign workforce

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), one important facet of the advancing manufacturing industry’s priorities is to address the hiring of its workforce – and the manufacturing workforce is increasingly foreign-born.

I recommend: Look at your current and future workforce – and consider the number of non-English-speaking immigrants you have (or will have) on staff. First, consult with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for necessary information and forms for hiring an immigrant. Then visit LatPro, a job board for Hispanic and bilingual professionals, to hire a bilingual HR specialist to assist with hiring and training needs – or to search for employees themselves. Go to InterWorld Translations for a goldmine of resources to help your business go bilingual. Offer bilingual applications, employee manuals, and signage at low-cost implementation, and for a high return on investment.

Recruit from technical schools

Recruit new graduates just out of school and train them the way YOU want them to be trained, specific to your business.

I recommend: Visit ITT Technical Institute, which has more than 85 locations in 30 states, or offers online training for other skilled trades. To find a trade school near you, visit Trade & Vocational Schools. Once you find a local, well-regarded school, contact them to learn more about their job placement services, and how you could recruit from among their graduates. Don’t forget to check out the community colleges in your area.