As today’s manufacturing industry embraces advanced technology, companies are continually challenged to attract, develop and retain a high-performing workforce capable of thriving in an evolving environment. To ensure the manufacturing industry remains competitive, SME announced a new program, “Ready to Hire,” in partnership with Cengage Group that builds sustainable talent pipelines by providing manufacturers with access to qualified pre-screened, pre-trained, pre-market talent.
There is a significant need for more employees, especially for entry-level roles, trained in technical and soft skills, who are motivated and committed candidates. In fact, U.S. manufacturing could need as many as 3.8 million new employees by 2033, with a potential 1.9 million of these jobs remaining unfilled, according to a Deloitte study.
To accelerate manufacturing hiring, Ready to Hire streamlines the process by implementing a scalable, train-to-hire program that yields a quality candidate, often untapped talent. Ready to Hire handles sourcing, screening, training, and onboarding talent so employers can focus on building their team and boosting retention. By moving the training up front, Ready to Hire delivers a risk-free talent pipeline that can flex up or down as needed by each organization.
“It is our responsibility as one of the industry’s leading workforce organizations for over 90 years to create and invest in innovative programs like Ready to Hire, which will strengthen the manufacturing supply chain with technically skilled, productive individuals,” said Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer at SME. “Through our collaboration with Cengage, we are able to address not only the skills gap but also the gap in applicants, ultimately, positioning manufacturers and individuals to be better prepared for the future.”
Ready to Hire thoroughly screens all candidates, saving manufacturers time and effort by presenting only the most qualified and suitable individuals for open roles. Candidates must meet all program requirements including soft skills development and specific technical instruction before they are referred to employers. New hires will then continue with guided hands-on training delivered on-site and evaluated by experienced technicians whose expertise is essential to standing up this new workforce. In addition to delivering strong individual candidates, this approach ensures multi-location providers receive the same qualified, consistent, and predictable candidates for every facility.
Ready to Hire guarantees retention for all referred candidates up to three months from the hire date, a critical time period for long-term retention.
“Instead of traditional recruiting strategies and training models. We stand up new, local, talent pipelines of pre-qualified, pre-trained candidates for employers to fill in-demand front line roles,” said Rya Conrad-Bradshaw, SVP & General Manager, Ready to Hire by Cengage Group. “Our high-volume, data-driven recruitment and training engines draw from local, untapped talent looking for education opportunities that will land them a career in manufacturing — not just another job.”
The Ready to Hire model has had proven success in other industries where employer partners hire 91 percent of referred candidates, and 94 percent are still employed beyond the program’s guaranteed retention period. To benefit the manufacturing industry, Ready to Hire integrates best practices gleaned from addressing talent shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, and IT/cybersecurity with SME’s expansive industry experience, network and training.
To provide opportunities to all qualified candidates who are eager to learn, the program is free to students. Training programs are focused on in-demand roles such as CNC machinist, welding technician, robotics technician, press operator, additive manufacturing and electrical vehicle technician. Individuals can also train to receive SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) Certification.
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