On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason broadcast live from IMTS with their guest panel including Jess Giudici, Titan Gilroy, Federico Sciammarella and Toni Neary to discuss solving the skills gap in manufacturing. The manufacturing industry has a problem. There is not enough talent to fill the current job opportunities in the United States. Whether it is through raising awareness, providing education or focusing on recruiting, the challenge has to be addressed so that the talent pipeline is replenished with qualified workers. Listen to this great discussion with some of the world’s best and brightest manufacturing leaders. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Manufacturing doesn’t have a perception problem Jason and Jim start by asking Toni Neary how to change the perception of manufacturing among high school and college students so they consider it a career path. Toni responds by saying that manufacturing doesn’t have a perception problem, but rather an awareness problem. Solving the skills gap requires educating students about the various career opportunities within the industry. Toni discusses some of the ways that she is helping change the conversation through educational avenues to increase that awareness. How to change your culture to attract talent The upcoming generation of workers and potential employees want to do work that matters. They also want to pursue a career that offers development and advancement opportunities. How can the manufacturing industry capitalize on this kind of motivation and drive? Jess Giudici says that companies are going to have to adapt their organizational structures and developmental opportunities to start solving the skills gap. While the typical perception of manufacturing is a dark, dingy shop floor, that is not reality. Exposing students and potential employees to a meaningful culture is one way to start solving the skills gap. Solving the skills gap by changing the curriculum Titan Gilroy says that his business model of offering a free CNC academy online is adapting to the need in the industry. He currently has 45,000 students in 170 companies going through his academy. Titan says that In order to be successful you have to be highly skilled with the ability to make a high quantity of parts with precision and speed. Titan says the curriculum being taught in educational institutions needs to be elevated to match the type of technology and work being done in manufacturing. Listen as Titan explains how his disruptive model helps to better train students to have confidence in doing highly skilled work. Tips for making your company more appealing to talent Manufacturing is all about solving problems. It’s a challenging industry that is facing unprecedented growth and an unsustainable shortage of workers. What can you do to change the trajectory of the manufacturing industry? The panel offers several tips for how they can begin solving the skills gap in their local communities today. From investing in local education to defining the culture and identity of your company, manufacturing leaders can start making an impact. Changing the perception of manufacturing and raising awareness about career opportunities starts at the local level. Listen to the entire panel discussion to be equipped and inspired to make a difference in your company and community on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jim and Jason broadcast live from IMTS with four panelists to talk about solving the skills gap Introduction of panelists Jess Giudici, Titan Gilroy, Federico Sciammarella and Toni Neary What perceptions need to change in order to bring the future manufacturing leaders into the industry? What changes should manufacturing business make to their culture to attract talent to their company? How does higher education need to change so that graduates will begin their manufacturing careers with more of a practical skill set? Why Titan is disrupting the industry by giving away education