The Milwaukee Business Journal interviewed Andy Graettinger, associate dean for research, about the workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector as large numbers of traditional manufacturing workers retire. The story also quoted Aderiano de Silva, an adjunct instructor in industrial & manufacturing engineering who also works as a principal engineer at Rockwell Automation.
The story is accessible behind a paywall for subscribers only [https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/subscribers/ and click on the digital edition on the left]. The highlights are below.
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says the Milwaukee area has lagged in manufacturing employment in the past but is now poised for a rebound. However, industry faces the challenge of finding enough trained workers to replace those retiring.
- UWM’s Connected Systems Institute is one of several collaborations between industry and universities addressing this.
- Graettinger said UWM is in a position of leading the area on teaching advanced manufacturing, in which new technology will add jobs if workers have more skills.
- Da Silva added that many manufacturers put new graduates through additional training.
- By working with universities, Graettinger said, industry can get a preview of student talent and indicate their needs.