They pay well, often provide on the job training, pull from local schools, and can be found in some of the most innovative companies in the country and The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) wants to get the word out about manufacturing jobs in East County.
They pay well, often provide on the job training, pull from local schools, and can be found in some of the most innovative companies in the country and The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) wants to get the word out about manufacturing jobs in East County.
On May 15, the ECEDC hosted a tour of Quality Controlled Manufacturing, Inc. (QCMI) and Taylor Guitars followed by a luncheon with panel of representatives from local companies and community colleges speaking to job seekers. Job seekers on the tour–veterans, college students, laid off workers trying to get off public assistance took notes, asked for business cards, and listened to the panel describe what they seek in potential employees and what it takes to make it in today’s competitive job market.
The purpose of the tour was to showcase “the entire breadth and depth of jobs available” in the manufacturing industry, said Jo Marie Diamond, ECEDC CEO/president. Manufacturing jobs are always in demand, and wages are steadily rising. Job seekers with little to no experience should not count themselves out of this fulfilling and lucrative industry. On-the-job training is common and many entry-level positions lead to solid careers.
A recent study by the San Diego Economic Development Council showed that 76 percent of local manufacturing companies work with colleges and other organizations to provide customized training for their employees.
“Our employees receive a minimum of forty to sixty hours of training, in some cases a lot more,” says Chief Operating Officer Rick Urban, QCMI. Bob Grande, QCMI CEO/president (Santee Person of the Year and recipient of the San Diego Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award), emphasized the importance of training for the trainee as well as the trainer. When employees take on mentor positions, “the mentors learn how to be supervisors,” Grande said. This leads to “the next generation of leaders,” said Urban, reinforcing Grande’s sentiments on what both panelists referred to as “employee empowerment.”
Employee empowerment and employee wellness are integral parts of smart, efficient business models in today’s companies striving to stay competitive and profitable. Taylor Guitars breeds’ eco-responsibility in its sustainable efforts abroad, while providing a creative and familial atmosphere at its headquarters in El Cajon. At QCMI, employees have an opportunity to work out with a personal trainer twice a week in the on-site gym.
“These are not your grandfather’s manufacturing jobs,” according to the ECEDC panel, because the world is changing, the manufacturing industry adapts, but it begins on the factory floor.
Innovation that keeps manufacturing companies competitive and cost effective often comes from employees on the work floors who understand production well enough to conceptualize improvement and do not hesitate to suggest it. Whether entry level or bringing an acquired skill set to new job, initiative gets people noticed, hired and retained.
All job seekers in attendance were encouraged to demonstrate such initiative in any field they choose, or that interests them, including women, who make up a good part of manufacturing’s work force. Rewarding careers at award-winning companies await those who go after them, and the panelists have some tips.
A unanimous theme of the panel, “Keep your eyes open.” Get to know the employer you want to work for, in other words, distinguish yourself with knowledge of the company and what sets it apart in the industry.
“Do what you love,” said Grande, who started his company in his garage. “Finally, your future success in the business world is in your hands.”
On May 30th, a job fair for veterans, military and civilians will be held at the Santee Town Center.
