Shortage of maintenance techs hurts industry

SANDUSKY — Automation has taken over many aspects of manufacturing once done by people, but there's still a need for the someone to fix the machines when they break down.According to a study conducted by the Manufacturing Institute, an average of six out of 10 positions in the manufacturing industry remain unfilled because of a gap in skilled workers. One of the positions local factories are hurting the most for are maintenance technicians."Nearly every manufacturer in the area has a need for maintenance technicians," said Casey Nead Marrow, the deputy director of Ohio Means Jobs for Erie County.Maintenance technicians are the people at companies with the responsibility to install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment."When they have so many machines they're going to break down and these are the people with the knowledge to fix them," Nead Marrow said. "They know the inner working of the machines."A shortage of maintenance technicians and other workers can cost companies nearly 11 percent of annual profits, according to the study. But even with positions in high demand the shortage of skilled production workers is expected to continue to grow.CausesLike many professions with a shortage, one of the main contributors is that more people are set to reach the age of retirement than there are people ready to enter the workforce.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the workforce participation rate for all workers to decrease by 61 percent by 2026 because of the aging population.The aging labor population is attributed to the baby boomer generation as even the youngest members approach retirement age. Many in the industry believe the people entering the workforce lack the skills needed for the position.The institute found the skills that executives said employees lacked the most are technology, problem solving, basic technical training and math. All are needed by maintenance technicians.The lack of workers has led to many factories having to increase the amount of hours worked by the employees they do have. In doing so, it's created a perpetuating cycle where the problems caused by the shortage are know contributing to its growth.The shortage, for example, has led to manufacturing employees working 17 percent more hours than people in other fields, according to the bureau. The increase in hours discourages many workers from keeping up attendance, staying at a company or even being interested in the first place.The attendance can be a big problem for manufacturers. The institute's study found one of the main problems for the recruitment of skilled workers was finding candidates who make it through the probationary period.Another cause for the shortage is the expansion of the industry. New products and manufacturing methods means new skills are needed. A company that makes chains has different needs for its machines than a company that makes car parts, but Nead Marrow says the skills can be taught."Having the general knowledge on how machines work can get your foot in the door and companies are willing to work with employees to get them the training they need," Nead Marrow said.Developing the workforceOne of the places where people can obtain the needed certifications is the Sandusky Career Center's Facilities Maintenance Program. The program consists of hands-on instruction."Our goal is to get people in there and teach them good employable skills," program coordinator Paul Leslie said. "No one wants a 'B' or 'C' maintenance guy. Everyone wants the best and we are doing everything possible to give people those skills."The program takes place over the span of a year and includes 660 hours of class time, where students are taught a wide variety of skills needed to be maintenance technicians."The key to it is to have passion," Leslie said. "That's what all of our instructors have. They work in the industry, they know what the needs are and are trying to reinforce those skills in students."Leslie said the program sees a wide range of students from teenagers just entering the workforce after high school to 60-year-olds looking to start a new career or acquire new skills.The career center also provides customized training for employees at local companies, like Industrial Nut and U.S. Tsubaki, for when new skills or safety programs are needed.But when it comes to finding new employees most factories are looking for people with at least three years of experience. Leslie, however, believes companies would be better off mentoring new employees."A lot of times a company has an idea of when they're going to need a new employee because of retirement," Leslie said. "We've got great people with employable skills. If they get them in there they can mentor them."Leslie hopes to start to partner more closely with area factories and hopefully help set up intern programs for some of his students, but he said some people are unavailable because they already work a full time job.The pay for maintenance technicians varies based on the place of employment. A person working at a resort may make $15-$18 an hour, but someone at a factory could make up to $20 an hour, Leslie said.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterFrom left to right, students Isiah Johnson, Julie Tornichio and Mike Tullio work together during a HVAC class at Sandusky Career Center on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.Student Mike Burger works on getting a refrigerator running again during HVAC class on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Sandusky Career Center.Student Isiah Johnson disconnects a temperature device from a unit during HVAC class at Sandusky Career Center on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.Student Brian Wears works with making connectors during HVAC class at Sandusky Career Center on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.