In advance of MFG Day on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, a panel of manufacturing publication editors and a representative of The Manufacturing Institute discussed how the industry is doing in its attempt to win over a new generation of young people. Attracting skilled and unskilled workers to factories remains difficult, despite a growing number of people saying technical fields provide young people with a great alternative to college.

Discussing these issues were:

• Jen White, director of student engagement at The Manufacturing Institute, who spoke about the history of MFG Day and what businesses are doing this year
• Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief of Chemical Processing, who discussed on ongoing series of stories her staff is writing about preparing the workforce for the future in the process industries
• Andrea Corona, senior editor at Pharma Manufacturing, who discussed how high-tech producers are facing challenges
• Geert De Lombaerde, editor-at-large for IndustryWeek parent company Endeavor Business Media, who discussed the Perceptions of the Trades research study that shows parents and young people more interested in skilled trades, but not as much in manufacturing skilled trades
• Rehana Begg, editor-in-chief of Machine Design, who discussed how equipment producers are rethinking controls and machine interfaces to make their easier to use and more familiar to younger workers (touchscreens replacing dials, for example)
• Moderator Robert Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of IndustryWeek

In this podcast, you’ll hear gain key insights from Newcastle Systems’ CEO John O’Kelly on why warehouses struggle to retain workers, and some of the secrets to attracting and retaining workers. And no, it’s not all about the money.

About the Article

Key Insights into Retaining Warehouse Workers Companies must create a culture where employees feel valued. Written by John O'Kelly Read by Adrienne Selko Read the article

Between presidential election politics, declining orders in manufacturing and rate cuts, the economy has been unpredictable and difficult for most manufacturers in 2024. But, smaller companies have unique challenges and opportunities. Our panel of seasoned manufacturing CEOs from smaller companies discussed the importance of tracking the economy, difficulties they've had in hiring critical people (especially maintenance professionals) and the weirdness of the current market with some industries posting massive gains and others struggling to make ends meet.

Our panelists for this Sept. 19 live discussion were:

• Laura Putre, senior editor at IndustryWeek
• Jack Schron, CEO of Jergens Inc.
• Blair Haas, CEO of Bud Industries