Recruiting and Retaining Millennials: It Starts with "Why?"
MoldMaking Technology editorial advisory board member Ryan Pohl of Praeco Skills LLC says that “why” a professional would choose moldmaking as a career has changed.
MMT editorial advisory board member Ryan Pohl, founder of Praeco Skills LLC, has shared his expertise with MMT readers over the years by contributing editorials about workforce development, and his sound advice and effective strategies have rung true for many. Here, he offers more tips for recruiting and retaining a Millennial workforce.
As author and consultant Simon Sinek says in his 2009 book, “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action,” answering the question “Why?” is the number one strategy when it comes to inspiring talent. In this case, I am referring specifically to the next generation of plastic mold manufacturers. This is the critical question that all mold manufacturing companies must answer if we hope to recruit and retain the right Millennials that we need to keep the industry strong.
The challenge for the current leaders of mold manufacturing companies is recognizing that the “why” that motivated them to get into the industry has changed over the years. It is difficult to find a young person that is motivated by the same things, so the message that current leaders use to recruit young people must change. Where members of the older generation likely started out in this industry so that they could provide a good financial living for themselves and their families, buy a nice house, have a nice car and work with their hands, the younger generation is more focused on other benefits that the trade provides. These benefits include being part of a team, giving back to the community and having the opportunity to be creative while solving complex problems.
The challenge for the current leaders of mold manufacturing companies is recognizing that the “why” that motivated them to get into the industry has changed over the years.
Countless studies have shown that newcomers to the trade are concerned more about the relationships that they will make and what differences they can make in the world. In recruiting efforts, it becomes essential to speak about:
- the countless people whose lives are positively impacted by manufacturing,
- the economic importance of having a strong manufacturing base—and how almost every industry is dependent on us creating physical products that have tangible value in the market place and
- how millions of people are raised out of poverty through the economic engine of manufacturing.
These are proven truths of this trade and fantastic reasons why a person should commit to establishing a career in the trade.
Countless studies have shown that newcomers to the trade are concerned more about the relationships that they will make and what differences they can make in the world.
The list could go on and on, but the key is that every company that is looking to hire and keep its young people should take the time to answer the question—and then sell it. Sell it at the local schools and to every employee in the shop. If companies create a culture that speaks to the “why,”, they will keep the youngest generation engaged, and we will have the talent that we need to keep the industry moving for years to come.
Related Content
ICYMI, MMT Chats: 30 Under 30 Honoree, Plastics Engineering TA Teaches Value of Learning and Producing Not Perfection
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges brings on UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering Teaching Assistant Michael Shone as a guest for this MMT Chat to discuss moldmaking through the lens of academia. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.
Read MoreHands-on Workshop Teaches Mold Maintenance Process
Intensive workshop teaches the process of mold maintenance to help put an end to the firefighting culture of many toolrooms.
Read More2021 30 Under 30 Honors Program: Mentoring in the Next-Generation of Moldmaking Professionals
Young professionals are vital to the moldmaking industry, and it is important to acknowledge those making strides in shaping the industry's future. MoldMaking Technology recognizes the industry's young talent through its 30 Under 30 Honors Program.
Read MoreFree Injection Molding Training, Hands-On Demonstrations
Visit RJG’s booth at the K Show to watch training segments from its trainers worldwide, receive hands-on demos of the CoPilot system and view the power of The Hub networking system.
Read MoreRead Next
How to Use Continuing Education to Remain Competitive in Moldmaking
Continued training helps moldmakers make tooling decisions and properly use the latest cutting tool to efficiently machine high-quality molds.
Read MoreReasons to Use Fiber Lasers for Mold Cleaning
Fiber lasers offer a simplicity, speed, control and portability, minimizing mold cleaning risks.
Read MoreHow to Use Strategic Planning Tools, Data to Manage the Human Side of Business
Q&A with Marion Wells, MMT EAB member and founder of Human Asset Management.
Read More