January 2023

2023 is underway. A new year is a time to refresh, restart, and continue the great work you've achieved. Set yourself up for success in 2023 with new resources and events to help expand your knowledge and skill set.

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Unleash the Power of your Company’s Marketing and HR Partnership - Finding manufacturing talent in today’s talent-driven market

Amid the economywide workforce shortage, manufacturing companies need help to fill open positions. A recent study by Deloitte reveals a persistent perception gap: even as views of domestic manufacturing are increasingly crucial to the economy, public perceptions of manufacturing are outside the current reality. As an industry, we need to showcase to the general population the increasingly high-tech nature of manufacturing, improving employee productivity and providing cutting-edge, transferable skills.

This perception gap is likely contributing to the current shortage of applicants, and manufacturers are waging war for talent globally and, more importantly, at the hyper-local level. 

We believe there's an increasing need for marketing and HR functions to work together toward building a mutually beneficial relationship. A symbiotic relationship between the two enhances core areas and adds value to the entire organization.

In today's competitive space, where driving engagement with both candidates and customers is vital, marketing and HR executives need to lead the charge toward a meaningful partnership.

Learn how Impact Washington-NIST MEP can help your organization create a Talent Marketing Strategy that will improve business performance, creates a motivating work environment, increase employee retention and gain prospects' attention. Contact us here.  

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#ImpactFul highlight/Success Story 

- Lean Transformation Helps Performance Component Manufacturer Reinforce its Best In Class Commitment to Customers

Situation

ZEV Technologies, based in Centralia, Washington, has built its business with the philosophy that anything it makes must be the best in class. However, ZEV was facing inefficiencies, which were triggering delays. The breakdowns at the manufacturing level involved poor information flow and slow material replenishment at work cells. There also were issues with the movement of work in process, from one machining and assembly area to another.

Solution

A former client of Impact Washington referred ZEV Technologies to the experts at Impact Washington-NIST MEP. The experts at Impact Washington worked with Zev Technologies to utilize a Job Skills Training Program (JSP) Grant to assist with funding the lean engagements. The solution was in-house coaching and training with Lean 101 with live simulation, Value Stream Mapping, and Lean Training and Kaizen Implementation. The most focus was on improving ZEV’s “Blasting Deburr” processes. The emphasis was to increase “throughput capability,” which included a strategy for quickly replenishing materials.

Results

By helping ZEV improve the manufacturing process, the company could deliver its products minus unnecessary setbacks. The changes in the manufacturing process also helped increase sales by $200,000, create 15 new jobs, and retain another 15. It also saved the company $150,000. With these process improvements, the company could reinvest in itself. Improvements included in the plant and equipment, information systems, workforce practices, and employee training.

View all #ImpactFul Results/Success Stories Here

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Job Skills Program (JSP) - What You Need to Know  

The Job Skills Program (JSP), created by the Washington State Legislature in 1983, is a vital tool in Washington’s economic development. Its flexibility enables Impact Washington-NIST MEP to partner with local colleges and help manufacturers get the specific short-term workforce training they need to keep and grow jobs.

The 2021-23 biennium JSP is funded by the Education Legacy Trust Account and from the general state fund. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) administers the program. JSP funds half the training cost; partner employers provide a cash or in-kind match to fund the other half.

2021-2023 Quick Facts

• 81 grants given to manufacturing companies representing 74% of all grants
• 65 grants given to Impact Washington Clients representing 60% of all grants
• Supported industries include Aerospace, Composites, Wood/Paper products, Naval/Marine, Food Production and Processing, and more
• 4,464 manufacturing employees trained

View 2021-2023 Job Skills Program Progress Report Here

Let us help you utilize these available funds and bring a workforce training program to your businesses. Contact us here.  

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You must be registered for the main conference to attend this workshop. Be sure to email Lauren Estep to reserve your spot - lestep@pnaa.net