Reducing the Cost of Turnover in Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
By Frank Smith, Director of Corporate Sales, Tooling U-SME
Manufacturers in industries such as agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains, and lawn care products are grappling with the urgent need to reduce turnover costs and accelerate employee proficiency. High turnover not only drives up expenses but also negatively impacts productivity, making workforce training and local partnerships more important than ever.
Companies like Kubota Manufacturing of America, the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Manufacturing Training award, understand the value of investing in workforce development through community-based solutions to address these challenges. By focusing on local partnerships, manufacturers can reduce turnover, speed up employee readiness, and ensure long-term success.
The Critical Need to Address Turnover and Improve Time to Competency
The manufacturing industry faces high turnover rates and lengthy training periods for new hires. Without strategic workforce development, companies risk falling behind in both productivity and innovation. In response, Kubota has embraced local talent development, and organizations like Tooling U-SME are providing training solutions that help manufacturers upskill employees faster, thus reducing time to competency and boosting retention.
Local Partnerships: Building Career Pathways to Reduce Turnover
Sourcing talent locally is key to maintaining a reliable workforce and supporting community growth. Kubota has teamed up with local high schools and community colleges to create clear career pathways for manufacturing roles. By offering hands-on learning, internships, and work-based programs, Kubota provides early exposure to critical skills such as welding, engineering, and machinery operation. This collaboration ensures students enter the workforce better prepared and committed, ultimately reducing turnover.
Efficient Workforce Training: Accelerating Time to Competency
To meet industry demands, manufacturers must train their workforce efficiently. Tooling U-SME provides training solutions designed to speed up learning and help employees become productive quickly
- Online Classes for Flexible, Accelerated Learning
Tooling U-SME offers nearly 700 online classes in various languages, covering critical areas like CNC machining, welding, maintenance, electrification, and smart manufacturing. This flexible, accessible training helps employees develop the necessary skills faster. Examples include:
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Applications 302
Introduction to GD&T 301
Robot Safety 211
Overview of Weld Defects 222
Battery Management Systems Overview 250
5S Overview 151
Robot Safety 211
Introduction to Smart Manufacturing 100
- Instructor-Led Training for Hands-On Experience
For more practical, hands-on learning, Tooling U-SME offers instructor-led courses in areas like electrical safety, robotics, and additive manufacturing. These structured courses help employees gain confidence and competence more quickly. Examples include:Diesel Engine Fundamentals
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Overview
Electrical Safety for Non-Qualified Electrical Personnel
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) - Customized Training Programs
Tooling U-SME also works with manufacturers to design customized training programs that focus on specific machines and processes. This tailored approach allows employees to gain job-specific skills faster, reducing onboarding time and boosting retention.
Creating a Stable Workforce Through Education and Training
A major challenge for companies like Kubota is overcoming outdated perceptions of manufacturing careers. Many students are unaware of the advanced technologies that drive the industry, which can hinder recruitment. Kubota partners with local educators and counselors to change these perceptions and highlight the exciting career opportunities available in manufacturing.
Kubota believes that building a skilled workforce is a shared responsibility between companies and the community. By collaborating with schools and investing in training programs, manufacturers can prepare employees for long-term careers in the industry. Kubota’s personalized training initiatives help employees gain the skills necessary to support the company’s goals, promoting continuous improvement and creating a positive work environment.
A Call to Action for Manufacturers
As manufacturers continue to face workforce challenges, forming local partnerships and investing in targeted training programs is critical to reducing turnover and improving employee productivity. By leveraging training solutions like those from Tooling U-SME, manufacturers can decrease turnover costs, enhance employee retention, and ensure long-term success in the competitive manufacturing sector.