VIDEO: Attract and Retain Young Manufacturing Workers

Meet Jack Northman, CNC Operator for Rolar Products

“The manufacturing skills gap in the U.S. could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, with a potential cost of $1 trillion in 2030 alone.“

— May 2021 study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute

The manufacturing industry in the United States is experiencing record growth, but with this success comes challenges. One of the bigger challenges for manufacturing leaders is finding enough people to keep up with the increased demand. One company that seems to have the answer to the labor shortage is Rolar Products, a Datanomix customer and a fast-growing manufacturer based in Muskegon, Michigan.

Rolar Products and Datanomix are big believers in using tech to attract and retain young workers. The manufacturing sector can be a place to build a career. In fact, New technologies—especially data and analytics—attract younger workers looking for modern systems and software in the workplace. Newer systems also combat the perception of manufacturing being a last-century industry without interesting technology.

While visiting Rolar this summer, Tony Gunn of MTDCNC had a “100% authentic conversation” with Jack Northman, a young man who transitioned from the food service industry to manufacturing. Jack shared how he quickly picked up the technical side of manufacturing and has since built a career in the industry as a CNC operator. Check out the interview below and hear what Jack has to say to young kids wanting to get into manufacturing.

Want to learn more from Rolar Products?
CNC Machine Shop Owner, Jack Russell shares his thoughts on empowering employees with Datanomix on the factory floor!