--- title: "11 Ways to Find Manufacturing Talent During a Labor Shortage" date: 2024-04-15 15:42:34 description: "Discover 11 ways to find skilled workers, from maker spaces to veterans programs to industry associations like PMPA, AMT, and NTMA." keywords: "Manufacturing Talent" categories: [The Datanomix Blog] tags: [labor shortage, Production Monitoring, Workforce Development] --- ## Struggling to fill manufacturing jobs? You’re not Alone. Manufacturers everywhere are fighting the same battle: plenty of work, but not enough skilled people to do it. The good news? There are more ways to find great candidates than you might think. Here are 10 creative, real-world recruiting ideas to help you find and hire the talent your shop needs. ## Find People Where They Already Gather ### 1. Manufacturing & Engineering Competitions Attend or sponsor events such as [SkillsUSA](https://www.skillsusa.org/who-we-are/leaders-and-partners/association-directors/?_gl=1*10xd4op*_up*MQ..*_ga*ODQxODQxMzgxLjE3MTIyMzEyMDk.*_ga_B4VZDKCC95*MTcxMjIzMTIwOC4xLjEuMTcxMjIzMTMyMy4wLjAuMA..) or [ASME](https://www.asme.org/conferences-events/competitions) competitions. These events attract people who love problem-solving, hands-on work, and innovation—exactly the qualities you want in your shop. Don’t overlook the volunteers and mentors at these events; many are actively looking for new opportunities. ### 2. Maker Spaces Maker spaces attract hands-on hobbyists who might be open to turning their skills into a career. Post flyers, attend events, or connect with leadership at these spaces to introduce your company as a local employer. Many people just need the right opportunity to turn a passion into a profession. _“It’s good to have things like scholarships, but not every problem can be solved with just raw dollars. In the example at [The Makerspace](https://www.c2makerspace.com/), it was higher education, partnered with K through 12, partnered with industry, partnered with the Chamber of Commerce. Every type of institution has inherent strengths, inherent weaknesses, and we just put all that together, and we made something happen”_ —Kylan Hastreiters on the [Manufacturing Mavericks Podcast](https://datanomix.io/mavericks/from-hog-shed-to-top-shop-the-evolution-of-a-family-business/) ### 3. Educational Associations Build relationships with local technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Go beyond job postings: offer internships, apprenticeships, or sponsor projects. When instructors know your company, they’ll recommend you to their best students. ### 4. Industry Associations Join industry organizations like [PMPA](https://www.pmpa.org/), [AMT,](https://www.amtonline.org/) and [NTMA](https://ntma.org/). These groups provide networking opportunities, access to talent pipelines, and industry-specific job boards. Being active in these associations helps your company stay visible and connected within the manufacturing community. ## Use Technology & Social Media to Reach Hidden Talent ### 5. Social Media Groups & Forums Beyond [LinkedIn](https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/post-jobs?src=go-pa&trk=sem-ga_campid.21121927109_asid.158539126925_crid.694457475023_kw.advertise%20a%20job_d.c_tid.kwd-25749393_n.g_mt.b_geo.9002278&mcid=7178028849945825297&cid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwwr6wBhBcEiwAfMEQs_TOvcjdkkA0LhO6KXO83NbZUg5t-J2iM8o_CvjjW3z8cvrPhMyzchoCyP8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds), explore niche groups on Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram where machinists and manufacturing enthusiasts share projects and advice. Start small—target one or two platforms where your ideal candidates hang out. Post engaging content, not just job ads, to build awareness. ### 6. Search for Achievement Posts Watch for people posting about new certifications, skills badges, or training completions online. Comment or reach out directly to start a conversation—these are people actively developing the skills you need. ### 7. Online Learning Platforms Platforms like [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/), [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=cnc), and [Khan Academy](https://www.khanacademy.org/) offer students the opportunity to learn machining, CAD, and manufacturing topics. Explore partnerships, scholarships, or sponsorship opportunities to connect with learners who are already building relevant skills. ### 8. Niche Job Boards Beyond big job boards, post on industry-specific sites like [JobsInManufacturing](https://www.jobsinmanufacturing.com/) or the [National Tooling and Machining Association](https://ntma.org/)’s career center. These attract candidates who are serious about manufacturing careers. ## Tap Into Your Community ### 9. Employee Referral Programs Your current employees know others who would fit your culture. Offer referral bonuses for successful hires. Even modest incentives encourage your team to help grow the workforce. ### 10. Open Houses and Workshops Many people have outdated notions about what a manufacturing job entails. Host shop tours, workshops, or intro classes to showcase your clean, modern facility and the real career opportunities you offer. ### 11. Special Group Organizations Partner with organizations that support [veterans](https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/veteran-resources/),, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, or those reentering the workforce. Veterans often bring technical skills, leadership, and discipline; other candidates may bring resilience and loyalty. Be open-minded—many great employees just need someone willing to give them a chance. ### 9. Search for Accomplishment Posts on Social Media Search various social media platforms for people posting about courses or badges related to skills you are looking for. Then comment on their post and mention that your company is hiring. It’s an easy way to start a conversation. ### 10. Educational Partnerships Form partnerships with your local/regional technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Sure everyone does this, but you need to be doing this too. Build relationships with the people there to help your company stand out. A good word from them could sway potential candidates who have multiple choices. Be open to offering internships, apprenticeships, and even creating project-based learning opportunities for students with instructors. Don’t forget keep national resources on your radar too: [ManufacturingUSA](https://www.manufacturingusa.com/key-initiatives/manufacturing-workforce-development), [NIST MEP](https://www.nist.gov/mep)  _“100% of the jobs we have out there—can be taught, so you’re looking for those, just, natural things: the ability to show up on time, the body language, the energy, those type of employees tend to do very well here.”_ — Adam Gordon, VP of Operations at Tendon Manufacturing Inc., on the [Manufacturing Mavericks Podcast](https://datanomix.io/mavericks/evolving-with-your-customers-across-multiple-generations/) ## Hiring Is Just the First Step Finding new talent is critical, but keeping them engaged is just as important. Equipping your team with real-time production insights makes onboarding smoother, helps new hires ramp up faster, and allows experienced staff to focus on making great parts. **Datanomix gives your team instant visibility into every machine, every shift, and every job—with no operator input required. Learn how we help shops thrive, even when labor is tight.** [Learn How to Make More](https://datanomix.io/data-powered-production/)