The future of the manufacturing sector is tied to a skilled workforce.
Erie Partnership to Address Need for Skilled Workforce in October Summit Erie manufacturers are inviting regional leaders to an important event on October 1 at the Bayfront Convention Center. In conjunction with the Manufacturer & Business Association’s Manufacturing Day celebration, the Erie Regional Manufacturer Partnership (ERMP) is organizing a Manufacturing Workforce Summit to address the most critical issue they face. With more than 22,000 jobs, manufacturing is a key industry sector in Erie County. The manufacturing sector is at risk, however, due to a workforce approaching retirement and a lack of interested young adults. Today, the preeminent variable for success is people. Manufacturers are looking for talented individuals who have a commitment to set and execute plans that create value. “For the Erie area to survive, it is imperative that we retain, grow, and strengthen manufacturing,” says Roger Schultz, manager of Technical Training at LORD Corporation and vice chairperson of ERMP. “It is only with a continuous supply of individuals who have the basic skills and the desire to embrace lifelong learning that this will occur.” The Erie Regional Manufacturer Partnership was formed in 2014 by a diverse group of 20 Erie County manufacturers to raise awareness of manufacturing career opportunities in the region, work with education and training providers to create more seamless career pathways, and connect individuals to these opportunities. Recognizing manufacturers were struggling to find qualified workers to fill positions, the organization focuses on workforce development activities designed to develop a pipeline of skilled workers to support regional manufacturers.
secretary. “With this collective force, we can enhance our community’s world class workforce to bring more business to our community.” ERMP will host the Manufacturing Workforce Summit from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie with support from the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership, Erie Community Foundation and MBA. The Summit will bring together interested regional manufacturers, educators, government officials and other community leaders to discuss plans and priorities to build effective partnership essential to solving the challenges of attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce. The Summit is being planned in conjunction with the Manufacturing Day event. The event is open to all local community leaders and will have six breakout sessions that will address: the image of manufacturing, assessments, career pathways, collaboration, workforce retention, and work-based learning. The Summit will close with a summary of the day’s common themes in a “Call to Action” and will result in a comprehensive action plan that will provide strategic direction for the Partnership defining ongoing collaborative activities to connect more individuals in the community with manufacturing career pathways. Rutkowski Jr. states, “Words without action result in nothing. Join us in this important effort to craft a future that is competitive for manufacturing and rewarding for individuals.” Interested community leaders can register for the Summit online at www.eriemfgday.com and choose a specific breakout session.
The ERMP mission includes addressing skill gaps by engaging partners in a comprehensive planning process, taking an inventory of regional assets, and aligning resources with ERMP objectives. ERMP’s strategy is to work closely with a consortium of workforce development agencies, school districts, higher education and training institutions, and other community leaders to develop solutions that will help young people take advantage of family-sustaining and skilled jobs within the community. These manufacturing jobs provide pathways to sustainable careers with the potential for growth in both income and skill levels. ERMP members steadfastly believe the future of the manufacturing sector is tied to a skilled workforce that will help drive competitiveness and innovate solutions for the future. Collaborative efforts such as ERMP give the Erie region a competitive edge. “These partnerships can allow for more opportunity to leverage government and community assets in a cohesive way,” says Jim Rutkowski Jr., Industrial Sales & Manufacturing Inc. general manager and treasurer and ERMP
Manufacturing jobs provide pathways to sustainable careers.
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