Written By:
DeeAnn Harris
Workforce Development/Training Coordinator
 
 
Tool Gauge, a small aerospace manufacturing company located in Tacoma Washington, successfully navigated workforce development challenges related to the decline of the aerospace industry and the impact of the COVID pandemic on recruitment, training, and retention efforts. Let’s break down how Tool Gauge achieved this:
 
Challenges and Decline: Tool Gauge faced a decline in workforce due to the pandemic, with employee numbers dropping from 225 in 2019 to a low of 88. Qualified applicants were scarce, and job postings received little response.

Proactive Approach: Tool Gauge recognize that traditional HR administrative roles would no longer suffice and needed a proactive strategy. To this end, they appointed a dedicated Workforce Development and Training Coordinator that focused on recruitment, engagement, and retention of employees.

• •This strategic move also allowed them to actively nurture the most critical asset—the workforce.

Comprehensive Workforce Development:

• •Training Programs: established training programs through apprenticeships to equip employees with necessary skills.
• •Continuing Education: Opportunities for ongoing learning were provided.
• •Succession Planning and Career Paths: Employees were guided toward career growth within the company.
• •Mentorship and Leadership Development: These initiatives fostered professional development.
• •Community Partnerships: Tool Gauge leveraged community connections to recruit skilled workers.
• •Training Funding: Efforts were made to secure funding for employee training.
• •Labor Market Analysis and Compensation Models: Data-driven decisions were made to ensure competitive compensation.

Employee Engagement and Retention:

• •Recruitment and Onboarding: The Workforce Development Coordinator improved the recruitment, onboarding, and retention numbers significantly.
• •Company Culture: A strong company culture was implemented and actively promoted.
• •Regular Check-Ins: The WFD coordinator maintained a presence on the production floor, engaging with employees.
• •Apprenticeships and Wage Increases: Employees participated in training opportunities through apprenticeships, resulting in wage and skill growth.
• •Tool Gauge Ambassadors: Employees became ambassadors, emphasizing career development and skill-building.
• •Competitiveness: Tool Gauge became more competitive by focusing on local jobs as long-term career opportunities.

Benefits of Workforce Development:

• •Enhanced Productivity: Skilled employees contributed to increased productivity.
• •Talent Attraction and Retention: Tool Gauge retained and attracted talent.
• •Compliance: Meeting compliance requirements ensured a stable workforce.
• •Improved Employee Engagement: Each stage of recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts positively impacted employee engagement.

 
Tool Gauge’s commitment to workforce development has not only revitalized our workforce but also positioned them for sustained growth and success.

In our pursuit of effective recruitment, Tool Gauge evaluated various strategies. Notably, some approaches yielded suboptimal results such as:

• •Virtual Hiring Events:
  • Despite participation, these events did not yield connections with qualified applicants.
    • Typically, they encountered only 2 to 4 potential candidates out of the 100+ attendees.
  • Community-Based Job Fairs:
    • While community job fairs are valuable, they didn’t always meet expectations.
    • Participation resulted in limited candidate engagement.
  • Direct Hiring Events:
    • Tool Gauge’s success story lies in targeted, direct hiring events.
    • Specifically, onsite, and offsite hiring events connected job seekers directly with Tool Gauge.
    • These events focused on critical roles such as CNC Programmers, CNC Machinists, and Quality Inspectors and Engineers.
    • The outcome? Successful placements.

  Tool Gauge is committed to fostering growth and excellence among employees. Our organizational culture thrives on 28 core fundamentals, which serve as the bedrock of our success. Each week, we spotlight one of these fundamentals through our companywide “Weekly Insight.” This insightful message is disseminated internally via our Teams message board and becomes a focal point during team huddles and meetings throughout the week.

  Our systematic approach ensures that we cover all 28 fundamentals over time, culminating in the spirited celebration of the final principle: “KEEP THINGS FUN.” This special week brings our entire workforce together—an occasion marked by camaraderie, delectable food, engaging games, and crucial company updates.

  Moreover, we harness the power of Microsoft Teams to foster interaction and positive behavior. Employees are encouraged to recognize their peers’ exemplary efforts by giving shout-outs and kudos when they embody the fundamental of the week or excel in their roles.
  At Tool Gauge, our commitment extends beyond mere words; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily operations.

  In our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence, we proactively and strategically invested in workforce development. By adhering to best practices, we’ve achieved significant outcomes in several key areas:

  1. Enhanced Productivity: Our concerted efforts have led to measurable improvements in productivity across the organization. Employees are better equipped to contribute effectively to our shared goals.
     Talent Attraction and Retention: A robust workforce development strategy has positioned us as an employer of choice. We attract top talent and, equally crucial, retain our valuable team members.
  2. Compliance Adherence: Staying abreast of regulatory requirements is essential. Our workforce development initiatives ensure that our practices align with legal and industry standards.
     Elevated Employee Engagement: From recruitment to onboarding and retention, our employees experience heightened engagement. They feel connected, motivated, and invested in our collective success.
  3. Talent Development: We continually invest in skill-building, career advancement, and leadership programs. Our employees grow alongside the company.
  4. Employee Engagement: Regular assessments and feedback loops ensure that our workforce remains engaged and aligned with our mission.
  5. Strategic Workforce Planning: We evaluate our talent pipeline, anticipate future needs, and adapt our strategies accordingly.

  As you consider the future of your workforce, we encourage you to keep the following Workforce Development Best Practices in mind to build a comprehensive model:

  • Invest in Continuous Learning and Skill Development
    • Targeted Training: Tailor training programs to address specific skill gaps and industry trends.
    • Training Programs: Regularly offer training sessions, workshops, and courses to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge.
    • Skill Mapping: Identify skill gaps and create personalized development plans for each employee.
    • Encourage Lifelong Learning: Promote self-directed learning and provide resources for professional growth.
  • Create a Positive Work Environment
    • Inclusive Culture: Foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued.
    • Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible work arrangements and prioritize employee well-being.
    • Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize achievements and celebrate milestones.
  • Effective Recruitment and Onboarding
    • Holistic Recruitment: Look beyond qualifications; seek individuals who align with your organizational culture and values.
    • Clear Job Descriptions: Ensure job descriptions are accurate and transparent.
    • Structured Interviews: Use behavioral-based interviews to assess cultural fit and skills.
    • Comprehensive Onboarding: Provide a thorough orientation process to set new hires up for success.
  • Talent Retention Strategies
    Retention: Create a supportive work environment, recognize achievements, and provide growth opportunities.
    Career Pathways: Define clear career paths and growth opportunities within the organization.
    Competitive Compensation: Regularly review salaries and benefits to remain competitive.
    Employee Feedback: Regularly seek feedback and act on it to improve employee satisfaction.
  • Compliance and Legal Requirements
    • Stay Informed: Keep up to date with labor laws, regulations, and industry standards.
    • Ethical Practices: Ensure fair treatment, equal opportunities, and compliance with all legal requirements.
  • Employee Engagement Throughout the Employee Lifecycle
    • Recruitment: Create a positive candidate experience during the recruitment process.
    • Onboarding: Make the onboarding process engaging and informative.
    • Retention: Regularly assess engagement levels and address any issues promptly.
  • Define Your Purpose and Promote It Among Your Workforce:
    • Clearly articulate the company’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
    • Foster a sense of purpose beyond profit, emphasizing the impact of aerospace manufacturing on society and technological advancement.
  • Recognize Changing Workforce Expectations:
    • Understand that younger employees seek more than just financial compensation.
    • Prioritize work-life balance, flexibility, and opportunities for growth and development.
  • Promote Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Create an inclusive environment that values diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, and backgrounds.
    • Encourage diverse perspectives, which lead to innovation and better problem-solving.
  • Redefine the Role of HR:
    • Human Resources (HR) should evolve beyond administrative tasks.
    • HR and Workforce Development professionals should actively contribute to talent development, employee engagement, and strategic workforce planning.

  Remember, investing in workforce development is not just about improving productivity; it’s about creating a thriving workplace where employees feel motivated, valued, and empowered. Workforce Development is an ongoing journey—one that demands agility, foresight, and a commitment to excellence.

  DeeAnn Harris
  Workforce Development/Training Coordinator
  Tool Gauge, Tacoma WA