While some industry players are stumped on how to recruit and retain young talent, CNC Machinery takes an educational approach by asking scholarship applicants to explain three innovative ways manufacturing companies can increase the number of young professionals seeking careers in the field in an essay.

“A shortage of skilled labor is probably the manufacturing industry’s greatest challenge. The CNC Machines scholarship and accompanying school donation is our way of encouraging students to enter the industry and supporting the schools educating them,” said Curt Doherty, founder, and CEO, CNCMachines.net.

Cal Poly Pomona Manufacturing Engineering student Pauline Tasci took the top spot for this year’s Manufacturing Scholarship. CNC Machines also threw in a $500 donation to the school’s engineering department.

“If we can support impressive students like Pauline in entering the manufacturing field, then the future of manufacturing is bright,” said Doherty. “We received dozens of applications with amazing and creative ideas yet interestingly, one theme was consistent: early education is key to addressing the manufacturing career gap. We believe this is an area that presents manufacturers with a unique opportunity to invest in programs in high schools that give students more exposure to the field.”

With an impressive nine-year history of engineering competitions as well as the leading role as a manufacturing and design mentor throughout high school, it goes without saying people with the talent and passion for the industry, like Pauline, are out there. It’s all a matter of drawing them in and most importantly, keeping them.

“If more and more companies invest in manufacturing education, I truly believe that together we can reverse the manufacturing employment and skills gap and instead see a reinvigorated future for the manufacturing industry,” added Doherty. “At CNCMachines.net, we will continue to support schools and students to reach that goal and encourage our fellow manufacturers to help in their own way.”

Source: EIN Presswire