ILMA Compoundings August 2017 - 25

"We are in such a lean position that any retirement is
going to generate the need to hire," Richards said. "The days
of excess layers and absorbing responsibilities among the
remaining employees are long gone."
"Within 10 years, six out of my staff of 14 will be going,"
Fanning added. "We've got a lot of people who are 55 and
older, and not a lot of people who are following up."
That situation might be about to change.

TURNING TO TRIBOLOGY

"It's not surprising that it's tough to find qualified people,"
said Rob Jackson, professor in the department of mechanical engineering at Auburn University. "Very few engineers
and chemists come out of school with a focus on tribology.
That's why we created a minor in tribology here at Auburn."
Jackson, along with industry veteran Ralph Beard,
launched the minor in fall 2012. So far, 10 students have
graduated from the program. Twenty-four students are
currently enrolled. "As far as I'm aware, we're the only school
in the country offering an undergraduate minor in friction
wear and tribology," he said.
While Jackson is pleased with the success so far, he has had to
confront many of the same challenges as his industry colleagues.

Bigelow also warns that an apprenticeship program
cannot just be the responsibility of the human resources department; the direct manager also must be behind it. Otherwise, the apprenticeship may not provide the student with
challenging work. In that case, the apprentice will likely be
frustrated, and the program will be a wasted opportunity for
both parties.
Some highlights of the executive order include funding
to promote apprenticeships, particularly among students at

"That business requires a knowledgeable and engaged
workforce, which makes the current drought of
up-and-coming talent so significant."
"It's not easy to get students interested in this minor or
this field," he said. "They don't always see how critically
important it is. So we bring in speakers from industry and
give seminars on how important it is. Students are keen to
make a positive impact on the world. Once they understand
friction and wear, efficiency, reducing energy consumption,
improving machine longevity, we get a lot more interest. But
it's still not easy.
"Pay is an issue. Some of the big oil companies are extremely competitive in snatching up the best students. But
most smaller, often family-owned companies can't compete at

accredited secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, including community colleges. The order also involves
the promotion of apprenticeships to business leaders across
critical industry sectors, including manufacturing.
Also covered is the expansion of apprenticeship programs
for America's high school students and Job Corps participants, for people currently or formerly incarcerated, for
people not currently attending high school or an accredited
post-secondary educational institution, and for America's
armed services members and veterans.
Perhaps the first step to a thriving apprenticeship program
that benefits both students and manufacturers is capturing
students' interest while they are young.
Oct. 6 is Manufacturing Day in the United States.
Manufacturing Day is produced annually by the National
Association of Manufacturers and is billed as a celebration of
modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation
of manufacturers.
Manufacturers are encouraged to invite schools and
members of the community into their facilities to show
people just what manufacturing is and what it is not. Find
information and tips for hosting a Manufacturing Day event
at www.mfgday.com.

http://www.mfgday.com

ILMA Compoundings August 2017

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