As workers from the baby boom generation prepare to retire, it's projected that millions of jobs will go unfilled. The problem is multi-faceted. For some industries, such as manufacturing, prospective employees lack interest, and there are rising concerns about job loss due to globalization. Additionally, many of today's young professionals are focusing on jobs that require computer and analytical thinking skills rather than ones that require working with their hands.

Employers who understand this trend are using a strategic approach to employee recruitment. Some employers are offering incentives and flexible work times to older workers who are willing to delay retirement for a few years. Others are offering hiring bonuses to attract new, more qualified workers. Still, other companies are going right to the source of the problem, setting up courses with colleges to train skilled workers or pay students' tuition to prepare them for specialized work.

Source: Careerbuilder.com

As in any industry, the field of refrigeration requires operators and technicians to continually refresh their skills. Standard operating procedures for every task as well as safe work practices are addressed by OSHA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through training available at Moraine Park Technical College.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and is the only test supported by the entire industry. The NATE exam reflects a consensus opinion of what technicians need to know to effectively service and install today's sophisticated HVAC/R systems. The tests, available through Moraine Park Technical College, are divided into tests for service technicians and those for installation technicians.

Manufacturing Symposium

There is a common misconception that lean manufacturers have no real need for automation and robotics. Similarly, automation and robotic systems integrators often give little consideration to lean fundamentals such as one-piece flow, product pull, rapid changeovers, etc.

As part of May is Manufacturing Month, Moraine Park is sponsoring Leveraging Lean Through Automation. This seminar features industry experts and will explore ways manufacturers benefit their bottom line through automation and robotics and examine the business case to support such an investment.

When: Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 8 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: Moraine Park Technical College, 235 North National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI

Shift Happens -- Responding to Workforce Change is a public forum, sponsored by the Business Services Team for Jefferson and Dodge counties. The summit will provide information on:

• Local, regional and state trends
• How to access specific labor markets
• Training initiatives being offered
• How industry partnerships will impact the region

When: Thursday, May 8, 2008

Time: 7:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Location: Comfort Suites Conference Center, 725 Paradise Lane, Johnson Creek, WI

Cost: $20 per person, includes breakfast buffet and program.

As an Economic and Workforce Development and Community Training instructor, Laura Schelter provides computer training for a wide variety of industries. Her focus is to provide computer software training based on versions and applications used within an organization.

Prior to joining Moraine Park, Laura worked in a variety of roles at a national construction firm, which included regional training, policy/procedure implementation, total quality management, strategic planning, human resources, and administration. Laura holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Marian College as well as an associate degree from Moraine Park. She was also a past board member of the Waupun Chamber of Commerce and at the national construction firm at which she worked.

Today's businesses seek computer technology in order to streamline processes and remain competitive within their market. "I'm here to make sure that Moraine Park has the solutions you need to grow your business," stated Schelter.