Inteplast Group is encouraging US manufacturers to strengthen apprenticeship programmes, build closer ties with schools and colleges, and rethink how they promote careers in the sector as growing interest from Generation Z coincides with a wave of retirements across the manufacturing workforce.
Speaking after attending this year’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, the plastics manufacturer said younger workers are increasingly considering skilled trades careers, creating an opportunity for manufacturers to address long-term labour shortages as Baby Boomers continue to leave the workforce.
Charlana Holcomb, Human Resources Manager at Inteplast’s Dalton, Georgia facility, said manufacturers must adapt their recruitment strategies to appeal to younger workers and demonstrate that modern manufacturing offers long-term, technology-driven careers rather than simply factory jobs.
Among the company’s recommendations are offering competitive and transparent pay, highlighting clear career progression opportunities, and challenging outdated perceptions of manufacturing through greater visibility of automation, advanced technology and workplace culture.
“FAME is doing important work to develop skilled maintenance and manufacturing talent, and the conference gave us the opportunity to explore how Inteplast can support and benefit from those efforts in areas where local chapters exist,” Holcomb said.
Inteplast said partnerships with apprenticeship organisations, community colleges, trade schools and local education providers are becoming increasingly important as manufacturers seek to replenish an ageing workforce. The company already partners with FAME through its Engineered Films operation in Prattville, Alabama, while HR teams across the business regularly attend job fairs and engage with schools and career advisers.
Barbie Keck, Director of Human Resources at Inteplast Group, said apprenticeship and internship programmes are becoming an essential part of manufacturers’ long-term workforce strategies.
“Apprenticeships and internships are more than workforce development – they are investments in people, communities, and shape the future of manufacturing,” she said. “Combining hands-on experiences with structured learning creates one of the most powerful tools for closing the skills gap in manufacturing. We look forward to growing these programs at our Inteplast Group companies.”
The comments come as US manufacturers continue to grapple with labour shortages and an ageing workforce while increasing investment in automation, digital technologies and advanced production processes has expanded demand for technically skilled employees.
Tony Davis, National Director of FAME, said collaboration between manufacturers, education providers and local partners is critical to developing stronger talent pipelines.
“The FAME USA Network is stronger because of the individuals who work in this network every single day and the conference is a great way to share that expertise and ensure that all of our employers are able to effectively create stronger pipelines to fill these critically important manufacturing roles across our country,” Davis said.
Hosted by The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, this year’s FAME Conference attracted a record 260 attendees, bringing together employers, colleges and community partners to share best practice on manufacturing workforce development.
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