Building a Diverse and Skilled Workforce in Manufacturing

In today’s manufacturing sector, a critical issue looms large: a significant talent shortage, especially in skilled roles like CNC machinists. Addressing this challenge requires innovative workforce development programs including those that fill the talent pipeline by promoting diversity.

We recently told you about how the Uniquely Abled Project provides opportunities for autistic individuals to receive free training and certifications that help them land good paying manufacturing careers.

Today, I want to share an inspiring story about the important work at one of my favorite organizations in the country: New Century Careers (NCC).

Impact of New Century Careers

NCC is a nonprofit manufacturer and technical skills development organization serving the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. They offer inclusive access to technical training opportunities while helping employers find and develop technicians seeking purpose, passion and success in the workplace. 

“We recognize that there are a ton of people that are unemployed, underemployed,” said Neil Ashbaugh, president & CEO, NCC. “We’ve got an untapped resource in our region here of individuals that never realized that they had an opportunity to get involved in manufacturing.”

He continued, “New Century Careers is spearheading all of these wonderful initiatives and reaching out into the community to let people of color, women, and recently or currently incarcerated individuals know that they have a place in manufacturing, and we're going to train and place them into these great jobs.”

One of NCC’s successful programs is a Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program called Manufacturing 2000 (M2K), offering entry-level machinist training to qualified applicants at no charge.

M2K classes are offered at three locations in Western Pennsylvania. The program provides three levels of training up to 600 hours. These sessions include hands-on experience, as well as special sessions focused on professional development and resume writing.

“Every cohort that goes through the first month of our training, our boot camp program called Quick Train, has to successfully complete over 50 Tooling U-SME training modules that have been determined and designed by the manufacturers,” said Neil.

M2K serves approximately 30 or 40 pre-apprentices every year. Additionally, through their group sponsor apprenticeship, NCC has over 25 registered apprenticeships going through a four-year machinist training program.

Neil highlighted the program’s success in placing graduates into well-paying jobs and emphasized the importance of earning industry credentials through the program. By partnering with over 130 companies, NCC ensures a robust support system for its trainees. Grants are helping provide free transportation to and from the training site and in the first year of employment, removing a common barrier.

Transformative Journey: Terry Cousins' Story

At this year’s tuXperience, we were fortunate to hear an inspiring first-hand account about the value of the program from Terry Cousins, a lead CNC programmer at True Position Inc., a Pennsylvania company specializing in contract manufacturing and custom fabrication for the defense and aerospace industries.

Terry, who was formerly incarcerated, began his journey after discovering a flyer for NCC while at a halfway house.

“My story begins pretty much from my release from prison,” said Terry. “I had seen a flyer for New Century Careers, and I remember thinking ‘machinist’ — my dad did tool and die work when he was young. I went ahead and contacted them.”

Terry learned there was a test involved to be accepted into the program.

“I remember telling them I don't care if I have to come in and take this ten times, I'm going to do this,” said Terry. “I was very thankful that someone had a door open for me and given me that opportunity.”

Not only did Terry pass but he earned the highest test score in the history of the national test.

Despite initial doubts about his future, Terry enrolled in the program, excelled in his training, and quickly secured employment with True Position.

“We have about 15 employees, so finding and hiring the right people is critical,” said Jason Spudic, Vice President, True Position Inc., who first met Terry through NCC.

Terry has now received his journeyman certificate from NCC, signifying his exceptional expertise and qualifications in this field. He holds the distinction of being a graduate of NCC’s M2K program as well as a True Position's rigorous four-year Registered Machinist Apprenticeship Program.

Today, Terry plays a crucial role in manufacturing components for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class submarines.

One of Terry’s most significant achievements at True Position was revolutionizing the production process for aluminum weldments. By applying his in-depth knowledge of Siemens controls, he developed a method to automate the machining process, reducing the time required from 30 minutes to just 90 seconds. This innovation not only improved efficiency but also ensured the production of high-quality parts, demonstrating Terry’s exceptional problem-solving skills and dedication to excellence.

“Terry is now in charge of a lot of things for me and is one of my lead trainers for new hires on our onboarding process,” said Jason. “When it comes to finding, evaluating and training talent, keep your eyes, hearts and minds open to whatever background somebody might come from because they can offer you a lot of skill and dedication and build you as they build themselves.”

The Way Forward

Terry’s story underscores the transformative power of these training programs, offering hope and new beginnings for individuals facing significant barriers.

“There was a point when I was in the halfway house when I wasn't sure if I was ever going to have a career again, wasn't sure if I was ever going to go on vacation again, wasn't sure if I'd be able to support a family again,” said Terry. “I can tell you, at this point, I've done all those things—I bought a house, I bought a car, I make more money than I ever anticipated. I work hard but this is an opportunity I will always be thankful for.”

Expanding programs like this to other regions and including more diverse individuals are seen as critical steps to scale up the workforce. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, the manufacturing sector can address its talent shortage and build a stronger, more resilient workforce, benefitting individuals, employers and the nation.

You can hear more from Neil, Jason and Terry by watching this video from our “Fostering Diversity in Manufacturing: Creating an Inclusive Talent Pipeline” panel at tuXperience 2024.