Illinois Manufacturers’ Association introduces “Makers Hiring” campaign

Posted on August 21, 2020
This program is called Makers Hiring, and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president Mark Denzler says manufacturing is not like it used to be – high school graduation one day and the factory floor the next. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The Help Wanted sign is out at dozens of Illinois manufacturers, but some training or expertise may be needed.

This program is called Makers Hiring, and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president Mark Denzler says manufacturing is not like it used to be – high school graduation one day and the factory floor the next.

“They may send you to community college,” said Denzler. “They may do training in-house. But the skills are definitely a higher level than they were 30 or 40 years ago.

“One of the misconceptions about manufacturing is it’s dark, dirty, and dangerous, and that’s not the case today.”

Even if it’s a robot and not a person doing the work, “now we need the person who builds that robot and programs that robot and maintains that robot,” Denzler said.

Some opportunities include sales and HR. Denzler says there are jobs for new graduates, for people wanting a career change, and for people who have become free agents because of the pandemic.

Makers Hiring

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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