Jobs for the 21st century Aug. 5-6
An article on Forbes.com discussed the decrease in union membership and loss of factory jobs to downsizing and overseas operations.
Since the number of St. Joseph County workers employed in manufacturing hovers around 48 percent, I was immediately interested in reading some new revelations.
The article turned in a positive direction and began listing great jobs available in the blue-collar sector, paying in excess of $20 per hour.
Forbes made the point there are always going to be building needing constructed, equipment needing fixed and goods needing to be delivered.
I know I've made a similar statement in defense of manufacturing concerns.
They went on to list high paying jobs in the blue-collar arena such as diesel mechanics, heating and air conditioning repair, brick masters and stonemasons, and equipment installers. However, Forbes notes the better-paying positions do require a year or two of vocational training.
That's a trend we're seeing locally. A new high-end RV manufacturer has moved into the area, paying a nice starting wage. The employees are specialists. The RVs are custom-built and each member of the production team is a craftsman with a unique talent relating to the vahicle's design, electrical, plumbing and cabinetry.
Another area manufacturer is working on putting a two year electrical apprenticeship program in place for new-hires. Other manufacturers are looking for dual-skilled employees-like those who can supervise and also be proficient in Auto Cad or welding.
While a core of manufacturing jobs will always remain, the trend is for employees with higher skill levels to halp make the manufacturing operation more competitive.
The Forbes article also mantioned jobs that will disappear in the future.
Avoid being an oil wildcatter as the country is migrating to alternative energy. And, for those on the cutting edge, Forbes predicts there is a future for Robot Mechanics to fix all the robots we'll be utilizing in our homes.
Sound interesting to any of you St. Joeph County entrepreneurs?
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