The Manufacturing Institute estimates that there could be as many as 2.4 million vacant skilled trade positions in industry across the country by 2018. This is a huge gap that can only be overcome by partnering with other organizations and companies to make a meaningful difference. GE Appliances, a Haier company, believes that partnerships matter and the industry would do better together. That idea has never been more important as they tackle workforce development issues going forward.
So, when Lowe’s approached GE Appliances about joining Generation T, it was easy to say yes. The company believes in the campaign’s focus: working to shift the perception of skilled trades careers in the U.S. and closing the skills gap. Generation T, initiated by Lowes, is a collective of more than 60 organizations committed to change an international narrative gone wrong – that skilled trades are a default career.
fill and retain manufacturing
The program is working to change the perception of skilled trades and the way people perceive career options. The primary tool to accomplish this work is an interactive website that connects students, teachers, parents, school administrators and others with real job opportunities and training programs offered by Generation T’s partner organizations.
Since 2010, GE Appliances has invested more than $2.5 billion in expanding and enhancing their U.S. manufacturing operations. The growth of GE Appliances manufacturing and supply chain capabilities has been nothing short of amazing, but it is not without challenges. The company has created thousands of new jobs, but they have struggled to fill and retain manufacturing and skilled trade positions.
creating systemic change
In 2015, GE Appliances convened the first-ever meeting of Greater Louisville manufacturers and community leaders
Too few qualified candidates are pursuing careers in manufacturing and without a qualified workforce, manufacturing companies simply cannot grow. In 2015, GE Appliances convened the first-ever meeting of Greater Louisville manufacturers and community leaders, resulting in a multifaceted plan for creating systemic change. The company led many of the plan’s initiatives, invested in educational programs and developed new ways of promoting manufacturing careers.
They have reinvigorated apprenticeship programs and created partnerships with their local school system that provide significant financial resources and volunteer support. These efforts created a blueprint for cultivating and sustaining the manufacturing workforce of the future and has since been cited as a national model for helping build the next generation of American manufacturers.
community’s workforce development
GE Appliances’ work in promoting manufacturing careers continues to diversify as they actively seek out veterans transitioning to civilian careers and displaced workers who are coming to their community in need of great jobs with excellent benefits. Closing the gap won’t happen overnight, and no company can solve this alone.
Leaders of manufacturing company of all sizes are encouraged to join Generation T. The tools available will help them engage with their local school system, consult their Chamber of Commerce and elected officials and become involved in their community’s workforce development efforts to connect people with careers and training opportunities in the skilled trades.
