Recruiting for advanced manufacturing roles can be challenging. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Q1 2024 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 65% of respondents reported the inability to attract and retain talent as their top challenge.
Hiring for advanced manufacturing roles requires specialized skills. Because most manufacturing professionals lack these skills, the roles can be harder to fill.
Keeping advanced manufacturing roles filled generates revenue and strengthens the bottom line. As a result, you must find qualified professionals to fill the roles and support productivity. These strategies can help.
Choose among these recruitment methods for advanced manufacturing roles.
Attract Younger Generations to Advanced Manufacturing Roles
Millennials and Gen Z have the technological skills and openness to learning required for advanced manufacturing roles. As a result, they are top candidates for roles involving virtual reality (VR) devices, robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
You can use these recruitment methods to attract millennials and Gen Z to advanced manufacturing roles:
- Share the term “make” rather than “manufacture” to capitalize on the maker movement.
- Use social media to provide educational content on the manufacturing industry and advanced roles.
- Demonstrate your company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
- Emphasize training programs for advanced manufacturing roles.
- Highlight career growth opportunities.
- Offer intergenerational mentorships where tenured employees teach newer employees work processes and newer employees teach manufacturing technology.
- Include your organization’s commitment to sustainability.
Target Passive Candidates for Advanced Manufacturing Roles
Most passive candidates are open to new job opportunities. Therefore, they might be interested in advanced manufacturing roles.
Previous applicants
Use your applicant tracking system (ATS) to find skilled applicants who interviewed but did not come to work for your manufacturing firm. Perhaps they were second in line for job offers or accepted roles elsewhere.
Previous applicants might be interested in learning more about your advanced manufacturing roles. They could participate in your training program to develop the necessary skills if needed.
Networking
Participate in professional online groups and forums to network with manufacturing employees. As you develop relationships with top contributors, you can turn the conversation to job opportunities within your organization. These connections might be interested in advanced manufacturing roles.
Cross-Train Your Employees for Advanced Manufacturing Roles
Ask your top employees whether they are interested in cross-training for advanced manufacturing roles. Their strong work ethic and culture fit should make these employees top candidates for more challenging roles.
Consider implementing training programs or apprenticeships to cross-train for advanced manufacturing roles. These opportunities support career advancement for stronger retention.
Would You Like Help Recruiting for Advanced Manufacturing Roles?
Connectology stays ahead of industry trends to provide clients with skilled candidates to meet production demands. Get in touch to learn more today.