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Employer Quotes

The quotes below are from employers in this industry: Manufacturing

They are talking about this topic: Experience & Credentials

 

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The quotes below are about this issue:
Most employers say they look for entry-level hires that have some post-secondary education. Minimally, this means a certificate, but a two-year degree is preferred. Most employers state that a high school degree or GED is generally inadequate for various positions; nonetheless, many have had to hire at this level due to the labor shortage.

Employer Quote Region
"I noticed that the data shows that welders need high school equivalency, but that doesn't really work for us. We need them to have more than that." Northwest
"Employer 1: Our high school has a great welding program, at least the kids that I know that go through it. I'm just curious if they're getting the skill set that employers need? Or do they have to go on to the college level? Because, wow, our high school has a great welding program.

Employer 2: I can't say that I've hired a high school welding program person."		 Northwest
"We're looking to hire an intern for machine technology. It used to be a two-year program; now, it's an 11-month program. I think it was smart to condense it and speed it up. I think they probably got more students by doing that and that's what we're looking for. We're looking for those graduates with a certificate in machine trades.

Question: So, with the shorter amount of time, are they as qualified?

Employer: I think they are. They had to leave something out, but I think it was a good move on their part. I think other two-year schools in the state were doing it sooner. I met with another respondent last week, and there was talk about adding a second class because enrollment is up. And, boy, it's been a long time since we heard talk like that. Years ago, I think they had nine instructors and I think they got down to one or two."		 Northwest
"Question: So, will you look for people with the 11-month certificate?

Employer: Yes. Absolutely."		 Northwest
"Employer 1: Our company normally won't even look at somebody unless they have the degree. Normally, we'll put a requirement of a two-year degree or a certificate—either one. They've got to have the degree from going to school and then, normally, we'll include a minimum of two or five years of working experience. So, if they don't have those credentials we won't even look at them.

Employer 2: That's for manual machining?

Employer 1: We have manual and CNC."		 Northwest
"For welding and fabrication, a certificate would be nice. But, in a way, it's tough. Sometimes, you've got welders you see who have the equipment background. Sometimes, you feel that your industry is kind of a niche for fabrication. They have building blocks there. They have a starting point. But you still have to teach them your method of doing that particular job, whether it's a fast-paced environment where, at one point, you're welding heavy, thick plates, and now you're welding automotive steels where it is high volume and high velocity. It is a tough one to say yea or nay on sometimes." Northwest