Workforce development remains one of the biggest challenges for today’s machine shops. While economic cycles tend to dictate hiring patterns, the reality is that the right candidate doesn’t always align with those cycles. If you only hire when demand is high, you could risk missing out on skilled professionals who could be long-term assets to your business.
That’s why we encourage you to view hiring, training, and talent development as an ongoing investment in your company’s future, not just a response to immediate needs.
The Problem with a Start-Stop Approach to Hiring
Many manufacturers approach hiring like a sprint, focusing only on quickly adding team members when they are urgently needed. But workforce development is more like a marathon, where the winners keep a constant pace, and their strategy is only rewarded many miles later. A machine shop business plan that incorporates consistent workforce development will be far more successful than one that reacts to talent shortages only when they become an immediate problem.
Rather than pausing hiring efforts when business slows, companies should instead take advantage of increased downtime by training new employees. This is an ideal time for experienced machinists to mentor new hires, passing on their decades of industry knowledge while they have the time to do so. Because, let’s face it, training is probably the last thing your team wants to do when they’re already spread thin with a high volume of orders.
The Future of Manufacturing Is Now
Have you heard of the “Peak 65 Zone®”? Essentially, more Americans will turn 65 in 2025 than in any year prior. With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age and exiting the workforce at high rates, workforce shortages will continue.
By investing in workforce development, companies can future-proof themselves and maintain a steady stream of talent rather than scrambling to fill gaps when business picks up. Here are some strategies to help you build (and retain) a strong workforce:
1. Shift your mindset and view workforce development as an opportunity.
Rather than seeing hiring as an immediate cost, view it as a strategic investment. The right person—whether an experienced machinist or a promising up-and-comer—can provide long-term value that outweighs short-term expenses. If you turn away skilled talent due to temporary slowdowns, you risk losing out on someone who could drive innovation at your company for years to come.
2. Utilize NTMA resources for training and recruitment.
NTMA-U provides valuable resources for companies looking to train and educate their workforce. When business is slow, this is the perfect time to enroll employees in relevant courses and apprenticeship programs to ensure they are prepared to contribute at full capacity when demand rises.
Additionally, NTMA recently started engaging with the OnRamp program, which helps connect skilled workers with employers (and vice versa). One popular OnRamp initiative enables employees to refer potential hires with ease, essentially transforming your entire workforce into recruiters.
3. Leverage local and national networks.
A strong manufacturing network can be a game-changer for hiring. NTMA’s local chapters provide opportunities to connect with skilled professionals in your area, while national events offer insights that consider the broad scope of our industry.
Our Consensus: Make Workforce Development a Priority
The solution to the industry’s workforce challenges isn’t waiting for the right moment to hire—it’s recognizing that hiring should be an ongoing process. Workforce development isn’t just about filling positions as needed; it’s about creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that supports long-term growth and efficiency.
By shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach, initiating skill development during slow periods, and leveraging NTMA’s valuable training resources, manufacturing leaders can ensure they always have the skilled workforce necessary to stay competitive.
Are you ready to grow and strengthen your workforce? Make the most of your NTMA membership and take the first step toward a resilient and productive future for your business.