Manufacturing’s Evolving Workforce

Yes manufacturing stereotypes is part of the problem, but it can take years to over come stereotypes. More common sense immediate solutions like outlined in "Solutions to the skills training shortage" article needs to be implemented right-away.

As for the battle to undue the incorrect outdated manufacturing stereotypes, we need to get with Hollywood to create new TV series like Laverne and Shirley, that depict the current manufacturing environment.

Yes manufacturing stereotypes is part of the problem, but it can take years to over come stereotypes.

I don't think it would take years, it all depends on how hungry you are.....

RE: "...it all depends on how hungry you are....."

Cute, but narrow view. One may be "hungry" for a job and accept it regardless of the stereotype, but that don't mean the stereotype isn't still out there. Also if one is so "hungry" they may just chose a different job than manufacturing because there are other jobs besides just manufacturing. So the need to feed doesn't remove the stereotype, and yes, it will take time.

Definition of 'stereotype' : A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of something.

NO!

Not hungry for a job.....hungry to put bread on the table...... When you're that hungry, you accept what's available.

There is a big difference between hungry for a job, and just plain hungry.

To be just plain hungry, there is allot more motivation that doesn't let something as petty as stereotyping get in the way.

Same difference. What ever the motivation for an individual to overcome a stereotype, still does not get rid of the stereotype. I encourage you to re-read my last post, the definition of a stereotype, and my very first post to the discussion. I don't think it is realistic to wait until the entire country is starving, so they will just ignore the manufacturing stereotype. And even if they are hungry, that doesn't necessarily mean the individual will ignore the stereotype, they may just chose another type job besides manufacturing.

One may be "hungry" for a job or even food and decides to accept a manufacturing job regardless of the stereotype, but that don't mean the stereotype isn't still out there for the rest the people not starving, planning their careers.

I seen that, my point is, there is allot more individual motivation as opposed to the masses when there is there is the incentive.

An example, how many college graduates (with a somewhat valuable or relevant degree) that are working in jobs just to bring home a paycheck.

I know a fellow who had a masters degree in manufacturing, that was a welder at the shipyards because there was nothing for him in the area, and his obligations was still there (car payments, mortgage, ect...). He ended up liking the job.

Yes, i agree phoenix911, plenty of people to fill the manufacturing jobs because today's economy forced them to, that are either qualified, or over qualified, just not many choosing that as their career choice out of high-school because of the stereotype as the article was about. When the article mentions stereotypes, it is not saying there isn't enough to do the job, as it is saying there is not enough choosing and preparing for the job as their preference over others because of stereotype.

When those preparing to first enter the workforce chose the manufacturing industry as their career of choice, their education and motivations tend to be more in line with what the manufacturing employers is looking for. As opposed to those individuals who aspired to wok in another industry but was forced to work in manufacturing to survive. but you are correct. A few who desired and prepared for another industry, may find they like the manufacturing industry, especially after learning the stereotypes where bogus. My point was just the stereotype its self will take years to change for those that circumstances didn't force them experience manufacturing first hand. And the industry its self will have a better workforce available one that stereotype is reversed.

You also make a good point indirectly, if a manufacturing line job (entry level) was the best paying jobs and most secure job (no fear your job could be moved to another country any day) out there like they once where, more entering the workforce would aspire to start out on the manufacturing line, learn the stereotypes are no longer true and the stereotype would be reversed even quicker.