Connecting the dots in a tight labour market

One of the organizations that we are fortunate to work with is Qinesis.  Qinesis offer services to help companies grow.  One of their activities is the local Chamber of Commerce where their role is to facilitate the Manufacturing Networks across the East Midlands. Manufacturing Networks are a meeting of MD's of local manufacturing businesses.  They get briefed on issues at national level by "Make UK" and discuss issues at local level to share solutions. 

One theme that has been recurrent is the tight labour market.  Not just the post pandemic rush to recruit, but a more systemic issue in an area with a manufacturing heritage.  Skilled people in these industries are in their mid to late 50's.  They are aging out of the workforce.  Younger people do not see manufacturing as a viable career choice.  The glitz and glamour of technology sparkles .  Lathes and torches struggle to compete.  

SSTC is also connected to some candidate pools, both through Nottingham Trent University and through the Kickstart scheme run by the city council.  I sat with Toni Lee who is project manager of that scheme.  We made some interesting discoveries. 

1) Companies might think of a job as being entry level, but  candidates require a lot of context to know what the job is, before they can apply.

2) The career path and life experiences of someone with manufacturing skills are not understood, nor be conceived by someone who has never seen a factory.  

3) Transport connections between the city and the manufacturing centers of Mansfield and Ashfield are not obvious to people.  

4) Engaging people on any employment seeking activity, has to at least be connected with the possibility of employment. 

There seem some practical things that can facilitate connections. 

1) Set up some factory tours and invite people from Kickstart

2) Demonstrate the use of public transport to get to the factory.  

3) Record some interviews with current skilled staff to just describe their journey and their vision for the next generation. 

4) Arrange some interviews and give feedback as part of the tour experience.