Building the skills of your manufacturing workforce
Manufacturing is about people. -Roger Usmar, Sector Development Manager, Competenz A manufacturing career that spans ‘shop floor to senior management’ in operations, competitive (‘lean’) manufacturing and human resources has helped Roger Usmar understand the challenges manufacturers face. It’s also convinced him that investing strategically in training to build a skilled and adaptable workforce is one of the keys to managing these challenges. Now Sector Development Manager at manufacturing industry training organisation Competenz, Roger shares his thoughts on how to build training into an effective workforce development strategy. “Attracting good people, then building the skills they need in a competitive manufacturing environment, is a challenge – and it’s one New Zealand manufacturers need to take seriously,” says Roger who joined Competenz in October. “In my thirty-plus years in manufacturing with Fonterra, Kiwi Dairy and Woolworths, I’ve seen the difference a good workforce development strategy makes – and the vital part training plays in supporting the company strategy. “Manufacturing is about people. You can have the best technology, but without engaged employees with strong technical and commercial skills, who can solve problems, adapt and look for continuous opportunities to improve, you won’t get the best from this technology.” Roger recommends manufacturing companies take a structured approach to training, whatever their size. He shares his recommendations: 1. Put training on your board agenda. “Your people’s skills and competencies can be a critical risk or major asset in executing your strategy. So I’d like to see people development discussed around every board table in the country, every month. Directors should scrutinise training plans and budgets the way they do investments in new plant.” 2. Look ahead. “Skills take time to build, so companies need to be constantly looking ahead. When you produce your strategic business plan, map out the skills you need to […]