By David Gaines, Managing Director of Goldstone Consulting Group, LLC
The metal fabrication sector within the manufacturing industry indeed holds a significant role and is recognized as one of the most diverse sections of business. It plays a vital part in the production of a wide range of products that consumers regularly purchase from local general or specialty merchandise stores, as well as their favorite online retailers.
Metal fabrication encompasses various processes involved in shaping, cutting, joining, and assembling metal materials to create finished products. These products can range from small components to large structures, and they serve diverse purposes across numerous industries. From the small metal screws in the do it yourself assemble furniture from that mega store to the components in airships that carry paying customer to the heavens and stars above, they all have something designed and constructed in a metal fabrication facility.
Many consumer products rely on metal fabrication, such as small counter top kitchen appliances, home electronics, business and residential furniture, kitchenware, tools, and even the coolest of vehicles. From metal frames in furniture to metal components within electronic devices, metal fabrication contributes to the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of these consumer goods.
The latest focus on rebuilding infrastructure such as bridges and highways or even the expansion of broadband interest services, fabrication of metal plays an important role. It involves fabricating and installing metal structures, such as beams, columns, roofing, bridges, and architectural components. The wire connection boxes are often created of some form of metal. These fabricated metal elements provide strength, stability, and durability to the product and can increase it useful live in an operating environment.
When in comes to the expansion of forms of renewable energy, the skilled craftmanship of fabricators make these investments come to life. The construction of new large scale solar farms, or even residential roof top solar arrays, both have a reliance on the work of skilled fabricators. The frames that hold solar panels and that the structures rest upon, either on ground mount or roof mount units, have the makings of the work from metal fabrication. The same holds true during the past several months of this very hot summer, the cooled air from the heating and air conditioning system flows into the room through ductwork constructed and installed by workers in a sector of the metal fabrication industry.
The metal fabrication predated the industrial age. Since man first formed metals to make the tools needed to sustain a hungry appetite, fabricators have been forging things to improve the comfort of life.
These examples illustrate the extensive reach of metal fabrication in the manufacturing industry and its impact on the everyday products that consumers rely on. The diverse applications of metal fabrication highlight its importance and the wide range of products that depend on its processes and the expertise of workers in the industry.
Like other sectors of industry, recently the metal fabrication sector of the manufacturing industry has been experiencing challenges. Challenges that seem to have impacted the entire economy in a wide range of developed and industrial countries.
As the craftsmen of the Baby Boom generation retire, and they have been doing so for several years at an increased pace, this has created in issue with a quality workforce. The global public health event of the early 2020s was of no benefit to this situation. In fact, it may have exacerbated the problem.
This workforce challenge is one that appears to have been affecting companies across all forms of industry. As the Baby Boomer generation retires, they take with them sometimes as much as 40-years of valuable work experience and skills when they collect their gold watch, say good-bye, turnaround and walk out the doors on their last day of meaningful employment. Many of these long-time metal fabrication veterans have been a part of technique innovation in the industry for years.
In Northwest Florida, an area more renowned for its fabulous beaches and its year-round vacation get-away spots, one company is adapting to this ever-present issue of how do to develop the next skilled team member. You do not have to go far beyond the beach in the community of Fort Walton Beach, Florida to find an industry leading, second-generation family company that is making headway in the business of metal fabrication.
Fort Walton Machining, is a mission critical supplier to the Department of Defense and the commercial aerospace industries. The burgeoning commercial space sector of the aerospace industry, growing in Florida is also a sector that the company has developed a niche as a trusted supplier.
The region of northwest Florida where Fort Walton Machining resides in the home to six military aviation insulations from each of the major branches of the United States Department of Defense. Each of these facilities have some of the most advance aircraft of their types that require precision fabricated parts to maintain operational functionality of their modern-day flying machines. In addition, six of the aviation industry’s largest aircraft manufactures have locations accessible from supplies in the Northwest Florida region.
Quality in the production process is paramount as a supplier to these industries. So, the individuals creating this replacement pieces or original components have to hold not only the required skills, but the understanding as to how their work affects the customer’s ability to succeed at being a global leader in their sector.
To address the workforce challenge and ensure the continuation of quality craftsmanship, Fort Walton Machining has implemented an apprenticeship program. This age-old tried and truce training method, commonly associated with professions like plumbing and carpentry, has made a comeback in recent years. By pairing seasoned craftsmen with young and incoming employees, the company is transferring valuable workplace knowledge of processes and skills to the next generation of metal fabricators.
Apprenticeships provide a structured learning environment where newcomers can benefit from the expertise and guidance of experienced craftsmen. This hands-on training approach ensures the development of skills required to produce high-quality products. The program not only helps bridge the knowledge gap left by retiring workers but also instills a sense of pride, quality workmanship, and dedication to maintaining company and industry standards.
Through apprenticeships and similar initiatives, companies in the metal fabrication sector can cultivate and nurture a skilled workforce for the future. By passing on knowledge and experience, these programs contribute to the ongoing success and innovation of the industry, safeguarding its continued ability to meet the diverse demands of manufacturing and service sectors such as defense, aerospace, and commercial space.
Locating and securing new talent can be equally challenging for metal fabrication companies. In addition to mentoring new employees, attracting skilled individuals to join the industry poses its own set of difficulties.
There is often a disconnect between the skills required by metal fabrication companies and the skills possessed by potential candidates. The industry’s evolving technology and processes require workers with specialized training and knowledge. However, finding individuals with the right skill set can be a challenge.
Attracting the right talent can make a huge difference in a company’s success in continuing to be a quality supplier. For Fort Walton Machine, that recruiting ground not only has been at the technical or trade school level, but has expanded to area high schools. High Schools can be a fertile area to recruit potential new employees graduating with a focusing in the industrial arts.
One community in the midwestern Unites States understands the needs of the local manufacturing industry. Partners in that community has made an investment to be competitive in producing talented individuals wanting to enter the metal fabrication industry.
In Moberly, Missouri, the Moberly Area Technical Center which is an important portion of the Moberly School District, offers technical skills training to eleven different high schools in a four-county region. The Technical Center provides high school students an opportunity to study coursework in the areas of machine tool, welding, architectural and engineering design, electronics and robotics, and building trades technology. Each of these curriculum areas provide the development of the basic skills that can easily be transferred and adaptable to the metal fabrication industry.
The partnership between the Moberly Area Technical Center and the local business community in Moberly, Missouri demonstrates a proactive approach to aligning educational training with the needs of the manufacturing sector. The implementation of an Advisory Board comprised of members from local industries is an effective strategy to ensure that the administration and faculty stay current with the skills required by employers in the region. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the metal fabrication industry.
In fact, as a result of the partnership, each year students from the Moberly Area Technical Center are consistently ranked on a national basis in SkillsUSA. Each year SkillsUSA hosts a national competition where students who qualify, compete based upon the skills they have learned that will be useful in a career in industry. The competition not only tests the student’s academic skills, but there practical skills through a series of rigorous tests and head-to-head events.
The investment made in equipment and machinery that mirrors what students will use in future employment opportunities with local companies is commendable at the Moberly Area Technical Center. This hands-on training with industry-standard tools and equipment allows students from the region to gain practical experience and familiarity with the tools they will encounter in their careers. It also ensures that they are well-prepared to meet the expectations and requirements of local employers.
By offering coursework in areas such as machine tool, welding, architectural and engineering design, electronics and robotics, and building technology, the Moberly Area Technical Center provides a comprehensive range of technical skills training relevant to the metal fabrication industry. These curriculum areas develop foundational skills that can easily transfer to various roles within the industry, enabling students to explore different career paths and meet the evolving demands of the manufacturing sector.
Collaborative efforts like those between the Moberly School District, the Moberly Area Technical Center, and the local business community in Moberly, Missouri, demonstrate a commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the metal fabrication industry. This partnership and investment in relevant training and equipment contribute to fostering a skilled workforce and supporting the region’s competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
Building partnerships between technical schools, vocational training centers, universities, and the metal fabrication industry is a crucial strategy for developing a robust talent pipeline that aligns with the industry’s needs. Community leaders who are dedicated to improving the health and vitality of local metal fabrication companies should strongly consider fostering the development and/or expansion of collaborations between industry and education.
Addressing skill gaps, building collaborative partnerships, creating apprenticeship programs, and conducting industry outreach are all ways that the metal fabrication industry can overcome the challenges that it faces. By implementing these strategies, the metal fabrication industry can proactively address its challenges and cultivate a skilled workforce that meets its evolving needs. Through collaboration, training, and industry promotion, the industry can thrive and remain competitive in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Visionary community leaders and company executive leadership both can play a pivotal role in facilitating these partnerships by fostering communication, advocating for collaboration, and providing support to educational institutions and metal fabrication companies. By working together, well developed industry and community partnerships will cultivate a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the local metal fabrication industry. Their efforts can foster innovation, attract talent, and drive economic development, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Bio: David Gaines is the Managing Director of Goldstone Consulting Group, LLC an international site selection and economic development firm partnering with growing companies to develop expansion and location solutions. Goldstone Consulting Group also works with communities in discovering economic opportunities. Mr. Gaines is a frequent panelist on topics relating to economic development and community vitality. In addition, he has authored a variety of articles on economic and business development topics. He can be reached at david@goldstoneconsultnggroup.com.
