October 4, 2013 was National Manufacturing Day. In recognition of National Manufacturing Day the Williams County Economic Development Corporation and the Community Improvement Corporation of Henry County, in cooperation with the US Route 6 Manufacturers’ Roundtable, hosted bus tours in which school Representatives were given the opportunity to tour various manufacturers across each county. The tours were being conducted in an effort to raise awareness among our local youth of the local jobs available in the skilled trades.
Across the country, the demand for skilled labor is increasing at a dramatic pace. The increase is due in large part to the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age. It is also due to more technical knowledge and training to being required by manufacturers as their methods and processes continue to become more innovative and dependent upon improved technology. Locally, it is estimated that over forty percent of the skilled workforce will reach retirement age within ten years. Currently, there is not an adequate supply of students from our schools and community colleges that are enrolled in skilled labor education programs to replace this generation of retirees. Without an increase in our youth’s awareness of the opportunities available, the lack of new skilled laborers will have widespread economic consequences.
This increased demand for skilled labor has resulted in many rewarding opportunities available to the youth of our country. In many cases, these opportunities can be realized without the expense and time of a four year college degree. In fact, most local skilled labor positions only require a two year associates degree or less. Further, these positions often have starting salaries in excess of $40,000 and full benefits. Bus tour is being provided to raise awareness of these local opportunities and to increase interest among our local youth in pursuing a career in the skilled trades as an alternative to a four year degree.
Williams County’s bus tour included Representatives from Bryan, Edgerton, Pioneer, West Unity, Montpelier, NW State Community College, Four County Career Center, Job Works, NW Ohio Job Center, JOB1USA, and Ohio District 1 Senator Cliff Hite.
The tour made stops at Airmate Company, Powers & Sons, 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, Menard, Inc., Kamco, Arrow Truline, and Altenloh, Brink & Co., Group (Tru-Fast). Mr. Richard Conrad, COO/CFO of Winzeler Stamping was the tour moderator throughout the day.
If you have questions, please contact Diamond M. Zimmerman at economic@wedco.info or at 419-636-8727.
INFORMATION PROVIDED