WIRE-Net is finalizing its 2020 VISION strategic direction for the next three years. We’ve researched the emerging issues confronting greater Cleveland’s manufacturing sector, interviewed dozens of Ohio and United States manufacturing experts, conducted a series of manufacturing focus groups with member and non-member firms, organized a four-hour Future Search to identify and prioritize the challenges, and have been digesting this information and more to set our future direction. Over 130 people have been engaged in our 2020 VISION plan so far.

Topics: Workforce Development, Workforce, Strategic Planning, Swagelok

WorkSource Program Fills Job in Less Than 30 Days

WIRE-Net Member, Royal Chemical, was searching for a manager for their Macedonia plant. They turned to WIRE-Net's Workforce Development Coordinator, T.J. McGowan, and found success with a new hire.

Topics: Workforce, Recruitment, WorkSource, Royal Chemical

Need quality candidates without the hassle of job boards and resume piles?

WIRE-Net's WorkSource program provides recruitment outsourcing services to help companies find skilled workers with proven work histories. Our experienced recruiter works one-on-one with companies to develop position descriptions, design a custom recruitment process and timeline, and offers research-based sourcing and "best fit" candidate selection and onboarding.

Topics: Workforce, Recruitment, WorkSource

Maria Gaeta, the corporate director of human resources for Mar-Bal Inc., headquartered in Chagrin Falls, spoke to a room full of manufacturing HR professionals. She was there to tell the story of how Mar-Bal is facing the challenge of hiring manufacturing labor and turnover head on.

Topics: Workforce, Seminar Series, Mar-Bal Inc.

When working with a recruiter, it never pays to "sugarcoat" or beat around the bush. The more straightforward you are, the better a recruiter can help you and the more satisfied you will be in the end. A recruiter is trained to get you what you want - so try your best to not confuse him or her!

Topics: News, Alliance Industrial Solutions, Workforce, Recruitment

At eighteen years old, I had my life planned out perfectly – or so I thought. It was the summer of 1997 and I had just graduated Strongsville High School and was set to attend Cuyahoga Community College, and transfer to OSU shortly after. My older sisters had already gone off to college, and my parents wanted, even expected, me to follow suit. My neighbor owned an HVAC company, and offered me a job delivering parts to his technicians for the summer. Business was booming that year, and before I knew it I was being sent on service calls, and doing fairly well.

Topics: Workforce Development, Workforce, Apprenticeships, Apprenticeship Diaries, Building Automation, Career Pathways, Technical Education, Automation Controls

I'll admit it: I grew up in the sixties. It was a different world then, but not so different when it comes to a young person making his or her way in life—attaining knowledge and skills necessary to provide for a family. In 1969 my soon-to-be-husband was the only person at his high school to be accepted in three different apprenticeship programs. What an honor, and what a life decision. He chose sheet metal, earned his journeyman certificate and hired on at Ohio Brass Co.

Topics: Workforce Development, Workforce, Apprenticeships, Career Pathways

Establishing proper background screening protocols is critical for employers, perhaps now more than ever. Due to recent attention from the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, employers must be sure they have rules in place to avoid discrimination lawsuits.

Topics: Workforce, The Pre-Check Company, Background Screening

Recruiting is a complex, time-intensive process. Skilled employees are the foundation of long-lasting competitive differentiation which improves workforce performance, productivity and retention. More companies are turning to Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) to ensure their business operates most effectively.

Topics: Workforce, Recruitment, The Pre-Check Company, Recruitment Process Outsourcing

I had been working as a machinist for less than two years and I was ready to quit. Not only quit my job, but get out of manufacturing altogether.

Topics: Accelerate Cleveland Manufacturing, Workforce, Apprenticeships