Seminar Addresses Growing Shortage of Skilled Manufacturing Professionals
On October 10, Wright County Economic Development Partnership and Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association will host an informative seminar on how Minnesota manufacturers, educators, associations and government are addressing skilled labor shortage.
A growing shortage of skilled manufacturing professionals is one of the biggest threats facing America’s manufacturing industries. There are simply not enough skilled welders, machinists, electricians and other trade professionals to meet employers’ demands, and the existing pool of skilled labor is graying rapidly. This pressing topic will be addressed during a special “Workforce Tools and Applications” seminar, 11:20-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at Jet Edge, Inc. (St. Michael, MN).
Hosted by the Wright County Economic Development Partnership and Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association in light of MN Manufacturing Month, the Workforce Tools and Applications Seminar will include a lunch/networking hour followed by informative presentations from St. Cloud Technical College, Central MN Jobs and Training Services followed by a manufacturer testimonial who has used the services of these agencies to improve its workforce readiness, and Enterprise MN. Participants are invited to tour Jet Edge following the seminar to see its latest waterjet cutting technology in action.
During the seminar, the presenters will discuss how Minnesota is addressing the call for a skilled manufacturing labor force and engaging youth in today’s industry. They also will discuss the characteristics of tomorrow’s workforce as well as what programs are available for businesses today.
Speakers include Bruce Peterson, Executive Dean of Academic Initiatives at St. Cloud Technical College; Tim Zipy, Workforce Development Advisor, Central MN Jobs and Training Services; Lila Kalla, Project Coordinator for Central MN Jobs and Training Services; Harry Larson, Business Growth Advisor, Enterprise MN.
Admission is $20 and includes lunch. Registration is required by Oct. 7. To register, contact Jeanene Strum, WCEDP at 763-477-3035 or jstrum@wrightpartnership.org. For more information, visit www.wrightpartnership.org/events.
Schedule of Events
11:20 a.m. – Sign in
11:35am – Lunch/networking
Noon -12:50pm – Presentations
12:50pm to 1pm – Q&A
1 p.m. – Jet Edge Tour: (optional, 20 minutes)
