Worker Shortages In Manufacturing
Many manufacturing employers are facing the same issue these days: not enough employees to fill the demand for production or services. No particular industry sector is immune to this worker shortage, and companies are having to find creative ways to find workable solutions.
Harmony Enterprises has experienced this phenomenon and is currently seeking qualified candidates to work full or part time during our ever-growing second shift. The hours are flexible and Harmony will provide training as needed. If you would like to apply online, or learn more, please visit our Careers Page.
Skills For Success
One thing that most employers can agree on is that not all applicants possess the “soft skills” or job readiness needed to succeed in a career. These candidates might also have personal barriers that don’t allow them to succeed in the typical 8 hour work day setting. Many of these barriers are socio-economic and directly impact an employee’s ability to provide transportation, child care, or personal development.
Harmony Enterprises recognizes these challenges and recently teamed up with our local Workforce Development Office to pilot a Skills For Success class in Caledonia, MN from April 29-May 3. The week-long class is free to anyone interested. The class focuses on several curriculum modules, including professional communication, interview skills, workplace professionalism, reliability and responsibility, critical thinking and following instructions, and teamwork. The curriculum was established by Workforce Development, with input from team members at Harmony Enterprises. A second session is tentatively scheduled to be offered at the Preston, MN Workforce Development Office in late May.
In addition to these skills that help to make people “qualified” for employment, the classes will also include training that is necessary for success in the manufacturing industry. Topics such as basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, use of fractions and decimals), how to read and apply knowledge from a tape measure, and understanding the processes involved with lean manufacturing are all covered in the coursework. Attendees will also receive information on the benefits of receiving employment benefits in addition to competitive wages.
When the week is completed, participants will receive skill certification and will be given the opportunity to apply with Harmony Enterprises’ HR Administrator onsite for open job positions in their growing second shift. They will also be able to complete any pre-interview testing required for employment with Harmony Enterprises at that time. Qualified candidates may receive follow up interviews at Harmony’s main production facility.
To apply for this free Skills For Success class, please contact Dee Slindee at the Caledonia Workforce Development Office at (507) 724-5231.
Other Ways Harmony Attracts Talent
Harmony Enterprises is working to attract talent in many different ways. Not only do we work with local agencies like Workforce Development, we offer quality benefit packages for employees that includes health care and matching 401K retirement plans. Employees are also eligible to receive discounted rates on child care at the Harmony Kids Learning Center, located adjacent to our main production facility. Those with children only need to transport their family members and themselves to one location during the day, and can even visit or have lunch with them! Harmony Enterprises pays an additional $5.04 per hour toward benefits for an employee who utilizes their full benefit opportunities! We also have received awards for supporting employees time off in their service as first responders and civic leaders.
Harmony Enterprises is the solutions provider for the waste handling and recycling industry. We manufacturer balers, compactors, and beverage extraction equipment for satisfied customers all over the world. One of our Core Values is Innovative – which is exactly what we are doing with our HKLC and by partnering with Workforce Development to implement the Skills For Success classes. If you would like to learn more about our products or services, or employment opportunities, please call us at 507-886-6666 today!
