With Ted Bauer and Karen Myhaver
The Mass MEP has expanded our outreach to students by offering assistance and resources to help high schools connect with the manufacturing community. Manufacturing YOUR Career, is the name of this new initiative and as our first project, we are compiling a manufacturing database that will be provided to Massachusetts high schools.
By: Ted Bauer
Turning new hires or training current workforce into effective employees requires structure, standardization, and planning. That means developing and implementing an effective training plan that includes ongoing skills development for the entire workforce. Your company’s success depends on it.
By Lisa Derby Oden, Workforce Program Coordinator, MassMEP
It seems that everyone is struggling with a workforce shortage these days. This is primarily a result of low unemployment, retiring baby boomers, and lack of interest or negative understanding about manufacturing careers. There are ways to solve this challenge for your company. Some are strategies that you can tackle now and will be able to see the result in the short-term. Others relate to taking the long view and the big picture into consideration. The following five suggestions involve a combination of both short and long-term strategies.
1. Train new hires and incumbent employees
If you are struggling to find the skilled prospects to bring on board, build your own. Look for individuals that you know will make a good employee – they have a good attitude, are willing to learn, and are dependable. There are basic manufacturing training opportunities provided by MassMEP, vocational technical schools, community colleges and other training providers that can teach the foundation skills required.
Upskill your incumbent workforce. This will help you to keep abreast of technology changes as you adopt the change. It has the added benefit of increasing your employee engagement, which results in better retention.
2. Develop an in-house apprentice program
If employees know that there are steps they can take to advance within the company, they will be more likely to engage in the process. By developing “career pathways” you can demonstrate clearly the ways that employees can be involved in their own growth. Outlining the skills and competencies required and a training mentor to achieve them, you can build an internal apprentice program.
3. Become an “Employer of Choice”
Wouldn’t it be great if your company was the one that everyone wanted to work at? There is no reason that you can’t be. An “employer of choice” has an extraordinary work environment, new applicants seek you out when looking for work, and highly skilled incumbent employees choose to stay even when courted by other employers. Great pay, benefits, ongoing training, recognition, holiday and sick time are part of the picture. Being at the cutting edge of manufacturing also provides a good incentive. This can be achieved by being invested in Manufacturing USA institutes. These initiatives may also prove to be a good draw for millennials.
4. Participate in Manufacturing Your Career LINK
This initiative will help you to educate young, potential employees about your business and manufacturing careers. MassMEP will be introducing The Manufacturing Your Career LINK, a database that lists each manufacturer and provides links to their website and any videos or media they would like to share. It will be used to educate high school students and their teacher/parents/guidance counselors about the huge variety of jobs that are involved throughout manufacturing businesses, list current entry-level positions that student/graduates may be able to fill, indicates types of outreach each company is willing to provide to schools like, tours, mentoring, making presentations, co-op or internships, and provide a company contact person that the students/schools will contact directly. For more information contact Karen Myhaver at karenm@massmep.org.
5. Get involved in Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day occurs nationwide on the first Friday in October. In Massachusetts October was declared Manufacturing Month. Events are held at manufacturers on Manufacturing Day and throughout the month of October, giving them an opportunity to invite the community into their company to show what manufacturing is all about. This helps to address misconceptions that exist about manufacturing which helps in tackling the skilled labor shortage.
If you’d like to discuss how to solve your workforce shortage, please contact MassMEP at 508-831-7020.
317 Manufacturing Fatalities in 2016
Written by: Darcy Cook, Safety Trainers
Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics report fatal work injuries involving violence and other injuries by persons or animals increased by 163 cases to 866 in 2016. Workplace homicides increased by 83 cases to 500 in 2016, and workplace suicides increased from 62 to 291. This is the highest homicide figure and the most suicides since 2010.
• The top three causes of fatalities in the workplace in order are car accidents, workplace violence and falls. To see the specific numbers for manufacturing visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
With the rise of homicide in the workplace, employers need to start to address the risks associated with workplace violence. Workplace violence falls under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Section 5(a)(1).
Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
What you need to know?
• 98% of all active shooter incidents are committed by a single person
• 78% of all active shooters know at least one of their targets
• 40% commit suicide and 48% are killed by police or others
• 88% of active shooters DO NOT expect to survive
• Most active shooter events are less than 5-7 minutes (actual shooting)
Even with a response time of 2-3 minutes by police, most of the shooting is over by the time they arrive. We need to implement training that teaches our employees response options, find ways to secure and slow down shooters within our buildings and learn advanced first aid that includes tourniquet training.
When the police arrive on scene, they are not there to treat the wounded, they are there to neutralize the threat, learning lifesaving skills like “Stop the Bleed” which includes tourniquet training, will save lives.
If you are looking for guidelines to help you get started with a workplace violence plan, consider NFPA 3000. In response to the rise of active shooter incidents, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has put a provisional standard in place, NFPA 3000. Shortly after the mass killings in the Pulse Nightclub incident, the NFPA 3000 began in October 2016 and was quickly formed with a technical committee that included Department of Homeland Security; Department of Justice; the FBI; NSA: national police, fire and EMS organizations; hospitals; private security; and universities.
We can no longer say “It won’t happen here.” We need to write a program and train our staff in ways to protect against workplace violence.
For more information contact:
John Killam, MassMEP, johnk@massmep.org
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com
November 5, 2018 – Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has announced the promotion of Kathie Mahoney to MassMEP Center Director. In this new position, Ms. Mahoney is responsible for leading and developing a team of professional consultants who create economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises through operational excellence, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives. In the past year alone, her team’s work with manufacturers produced a $69.6 million increase in new sales and added 843 new jobs.
As MassMEP Center Director, Ms. Mahoney guides the organization and works closely with the President and its Board of Directors to realize the Center’s goals. Over the course of 20 years, she has built the MassMEP brand to be a recognized and trusted advisor to manufacturers. She possesses a detailed knowledge of manufacturing and has an extensive background in grant management, financial oversight, marketing management, and leadership. Ms. Mahoney holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Assumption College and a Master’s of Science in Professional Communication from Clark University. She is also a Graduate of the NIST Emerging Leaders Program.
“MassMEP has a huge impact on the manufacturing ecosystem and I look forward to continuing the impressive growth and impact of the organization,” said Mahoney. “I believe the impact of MassMEP on its clients through top-line and bottom line results is a powerful driver of continuous improvement within the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem.”
John Killam, President of MassMEP stated, “We are very excited to have Kathie take on the role of Center Director for MassMEP. She brings to the job an exceptional combination of energy, leadership, and understanding of the challenges of manufacturing in Massachusetts. Her operational skill will help us continue to expand MassMEP and the work it does to strengthen Massachusetts manufacturers.”
About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that believes in cultivating a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, and enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit
By John Killam, President, MassMEP
Mark your calendar for two special events:
The Future of Manufacturing Symposium (October 4, 2018)
Inaugural WPI/QCC Integrated Photonics Symposium (October 3, 2018)
On Thursday, October 4, 2018, MassMEP will bring the latest manufacturing news and experts to Worcester to showcase the Manufacturing USA Institute’s technologies and show you the ins/outs of the future at The Future of Manufacturing Symposium.
We know that technology changes rapidly and you may not always have access to the latest information. We hope you already realize that MassMEP can help improve your employees’ skills and increase top and bottom line revenues for your business through our Workforce Strategies, and Growth Services. Now MassMEP can be your connection to the Manufacturing USA Institutes.
We want your business to succeed into today’s fast-changing manufacturing world. We are proud to present The Future of Manufacturing Symposium, the first regional event showcasing emerging technologies developed by the Manufacturing USA Institutes. Join us and discover the future technologies opportunities for U.S. businesses and education institutions.
Join manufacturing executives, researchers, developers, and educators as we explore relevant, timely topics affecting manufacturing in Massachusetts and across the globe.
Featured Speakers include:
Here is the full list of Speakers and Panel Topics
Panel discussions will focus on:
Additional topics covered include:
Space is limited—don’t delay! Register today.
Have questions? Contact Tricia Raynard at (617) 912-3800 or traynard@therendongroup.com
Also mark your calendar for this Manufacturing USA Institute event:
Inaugural WPI/QCC Integrated Photonics Symposium
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
9am-5pm, Rubin Campus Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
This will be an exclusive planning session for the WPI/QCC AIM Photonics LEAP facility with education, industry, and government representatives. Explore ways to facilitate SME’s engagement with the integrated photonics supply chain in New England area. Register today.
Does your company have a technical skills gap?
Would you like to improve your productivity and quality?
Have you been considering ways to get training for your workforce and have thought that your company was too small?
Have you looked for ways to fund training, discovered the Workforce Training Fund and then decided you didn’t have the resources to write the grant and do all the grant administration work?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, consortium training could be the answer. Workforce Training Consortium is an opportunity for your employees to attend our training workshops AND it does not require you to write the grant application or perform grant administration work.
How does it work?
For starters, MassMEP seeks companies that are looking for solutions to the opening questions that are within the same region. Once the companies are identified, minor up front planning takes place. Participating companies meet to select the training and workshops of greatest interest in advance. The courses are separated into three different categories: Operational Excellence, Workforce Strategies and Innovative Growth Solutions. Since MassMEP provides the shared training, we develop a consolidated grant and submit it to the Workforce Training Fund on the behalf of the participating companies.
Upon grant approval, course scheduling commences. Training is held at a location within your region making it easy for participants to get to. Depending on the number of consortia members and the grant specifications, training may be held at participating companies. Training will be conducted over a one to two year timeframe, again depending on what was laid out in the grant. MassMEP handles the ongoing grant administration responsibilities.
How much does it cost to join the consortium?
This training is paid for by the Workforce Training Fund, so organizations that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund are eligible to take part in WTFP grant programs. All for-profit companies in Massachusetts contribute as do some non-profits. The company’s investment is that grant funds must be matched dollar for dollar. The match is usually achieved by utilizing training-related costs such as wages and fringe of employees during training hours.
Successful results
MassMEP and the participating companies have been very successful with this convenient and effective model. Consortia companies have reported the following results: improved lead time, reduced cycle time, improvement in on-time delivery, improved productivity, reduced inventory, increased first-pass yield, increased sales, labor cost savings and more.
How do I get started?
Contact Lisa Derby Oden today at lisao@massmep.org
Also visit Commonwealth Corporation at www.WorkforceTrainingFund.org
MassMEP Presents Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company
Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is pleased to present the 2nd annual Jack Healy Manufacturing Leadership Award to North Easton Machine Company, Inc. North Easton is being recognized for their dedication to training and for building a skilled workforce.
“MassMEP is honored to recognize North Easton Machine for their dedication to advancing manufacturing in Massachusetts and for their workforce,” stated John Killam, President, MassMEP. “Their consistent emphasis on training programs for their employees has led them to a leadership position in Massachusetts for on-site workforce development. As a result, the quality of their product is world-class.”
The Manufacturing Leadership Award is in honor of MassMEP’s founding president, Jack Healy. Jack embodied the essence of manufacturing and best practices. His long career in manufacturing oversaw the expansion of several manufacturing companies and he was instrumental in promoting the importance of manufacturing to the Massachusetts economy.
“We are thrilled to receive the Jack Healy Manufacturing Leadership Award,” said Paula Martel, HR Manager, North Easton Machine Company. “We believe that to achieve workforce growth, we must employ a multi-pronged approach. We must find qualified trainees, upskill entry level staff, and grow our leaders. MassMEP is a vital partner providing programs that aid our employees in maximizing their individual potential and enhancing the overall success of our team.”
North Easton Machine Company was founded in 1964 by Donald Holbrook. Holbrook purchased his first Brown & Sharpe cam screw machines from his former employer, Easton Machine Products, when the two partners split and auctioned off the assets of the business. He set up shop in one bay of his two car garage at his home in North Easton, Massachusetts, and North Easton Machine Company was born. Working full time for Machine Craft in Whitman, Massachusetts, he ran his own machines after work until midnight most nights. His wife Marie would order material, tools, and accept deliveries during the day to support his nightly production. Donald eventually left his job and dedicated himself to the business full-time. The business expanded several times over the years to its current 15,000 square foot facility. Over the last 54 years North Easton Machine has evolved into a state of the art CNC turning and milling company. Currently run by Donald’s son, Jon Holbrook, the business has been supported by family members spanning four generations.
About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next generation manufacturing. For more information, visit www.massmep.org.
For More Information Contact:
– Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org
MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program
Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of students to complete Mechanical Systems Skills Training, a comprehensive new training program in mechanical power transmission for the shop floor. Participants learn skills in machine shafts & keys, bearings, belt drives, chain drives, machine shaft couplings, gear drives, machine speed reduces, electric brakes, and mechanical components. The next class starts March 5, 2018.
“The new training is designed to address the lack of mechanical skills in manufacturing,” stated John Killam, President MassMEP. “This type of introduction to the operating principles of power transmission in the most effective way, with skills-based training using the same industrial-strength components used in factory environments. We are thankful to the funding from the Baker-Polito Administration, through a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, to purchase the equipment.”
Mechanical Systems Skills Training features hands-on work with robust, stand-alone, mobile training stations. Rugged components are housed in a heavy-duty mobile framework with a customized modular drawer storage system. Classroom learning and the bench work hand-in-hand.
Eight people participated in the first class. Will Lyon from Epic Polymer Solutions (Northborough, MA) has a background as a motorcycle mechanic. He enjoyed being able to use brand new tools and parts. His co-worker, Michael Ducasse, shared, “Even though this course was pretty easy for us, we did find that some of the components on the work bench were not aligned properly. The fact that things were not perfect and we had to trouble shoot made it more like what you come up against on the job so we got a lot out of it!”
Rick Gemme, Manufacturing Operations Supervisor from Bose Corporation (Framingham, MA), stated that in the past they would send one person to a class like this and then that person would come back and share knowledge with the group. His company runs three shifts. Sending each person to the class helps them standardize procedures and ensure the same focus.
For more details, see the Mechanical System Skills Training brochure: http://massmac.org/newsline/1801/MSST_brochure.pdf
The next class starts March 5, 2018 and will be offered two days a week, three hours per day for four weeks. For more information, please contact Leslie Parady at lesliep@massmep.org or 508-831-7020 ext. 21.
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next generation manufacturing.