Voss Manufacturing collaborates with Dream It Do It to combat skilled labor shortage.
Voss Manufacturing in upstate New York is addressing the skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing sector by collaborating with Dream It Do It. This initiative aims to connect students and educators with the manufacturing industry, fostering a new generation of skilled workers. With a significant portion of their workforce nearing retirement, the partnership seeks to highlight opportunities in skilled trades, fortifying the local economy and addressing the critical labor gap in manufacturing.
In the charming region of upstate New York, Voss Manufacturing is making waves with its commitment to addressing a crucial issue facing the local economy: a shortage of skilled labor in the manufacturing sector. Established back in 1967, this family-owned business has become a stalwart in the heat exchanger machinery space, providing custom design and manufacturing services to a diverse clientele.
With a workforce of around 110 employees, Voss is currently experiencing a looming challenge—nearly 30% of their workforce is approaching retirement. This situation leaves the company in a tight spot, especially with industry experts pointing out that for every five seasoned skilled tradespeople retiring, there’s only one new individual stepping into that role. This concerning ratio highlights the urgent need for new talent in the industry.
To tackle this workforce dilemma, Voss has teamed up with Dream It Do It Western New York, a program designed to cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers ready to jump into the manufacturing world. The initiative aims to connect educators, students, and businesses, providing a bridge for those not interested in pursuing traditional higher education while emphasizing the many opportunities available in skilled trades.
Dream It Do It fits perfectly into this picture by targeting students who’ve yet to find their path and showcasing skilled trades as a serious career option. Recently, this initiative has been expanding its reach, extending its efforts into Erie and Niagara counties, which is exciting news for local businesses and aspiring tradespeople alike.
The collaboration between Voss and Dream It Do It is more than just a local partnership; it stands as a potential model that other regions in New York could follow to alleviate employment challenges. The organization boasts over 1,600 manufacturers under its wing, collectively employing approximately 70,000 individuals and generating close to a staggering $27 billion in annual manufacturing imports.
Despite the strides made, there remains a significant hurdle: many schools aren’t actively encouraging students to consider skilled trades. This gap is what Voss and Dream It Do It are working diligently to fill. The outreach efforts are vital—not just for Voss, but for the broader manufacturing landscape looking to nurture the next generation of skilled workers.
Leaders have raised alarms about these budget cuts, emphasizing how essential MEP centers are for supporting the manufacturing ecosystem, which has seen the creation or retention of over 32,000 jobs since 2019. They have also facilitated around 4,400 projects, highlighting their significant role in boosting the state’s economy.
With new developments on the horizon, like the upcoming manufacturing facility by Saint-Gobain Ceramics in Wheatfield, expected to cost more than $40 million and generate additional full-time employment opportunities, the conversation about skilled labor aligns closely with broader economic growth in the region.
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