Upcoming production work at Micron creating higher demand for workers
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Manufacturing is growing in CNY with numerous companies building their presence in the region. With that growth comes a drive for more people to fill roles in manufacturing.
“Manufacturing, like all industries, is always recruiting talented new employees who are ready to launch their careers,” said Brian Durant, president of Cayuga Community College. “Our partners in the industry are always looking for those who are eager to learn, are creative in their problem-solving techniques, and are dedicated to improving.
“Much of what manufacturing is looking for in employees, though, are skills that transcend particular industries. Are you a good team player? Are you accountable? Do you communicate well? Are you courteous to your co-workers? Do you show up on time, ready to work? Those are questions that can be asked in all industries, and they are just as important in manufacturing as any other field.”
Karen Knapik-Scalzo, associate economist for the New York State Department of Labor Division of Research & Statistics in Syracuse, noted that the upcoming production work at Micron is fueling some of this growth, including “equipment and process engineers, equipment and process technicians, assemblers and fabricators, maintenance and repair technicians.”
In addition to Micron, she said that more manufacturing jobs are available because of growth among emerging manufacturing sectors such as AI, drones and clean energy or “green” jobs.
Finding workers with the right qualifications to fill their skilled roles has challenged some manufacturers.
“Right now, SMV Recruiting is seeing a lot of clients slowing down on their hiring process and being much pickier,” said Stephanie M. Vavonese, founder & CEO at SMV Recruiting, LLC and Brew Recruit in Syracuse. “With a focus on manufacturing, the roles we see our clients still struggling to fill though are in the trades, especially CNC specialist and mechanics.”
One of the ways that manufacturers are addressing these challenges is to partner with educators to develop the workforce they need.
Richard Bush, professor and chairman of technology education at SUNY Oswego, has assessed the situation and believes that many youths today don’t really understand manufacturing.
“They have no idea what this kind of work looks like,” he said. “Getting them exposure is going to be difficult. Trying to find a young person who’s willing to work 40 hours a week is a different skill set than what’s been peddled lately.”
For a few decades, most young people have been encouraged to go to college and work in offices. The enduring perception of manufacturing as dull, dirty work that requires no skill has helped steer many young people away from that industry.
“I’m encouraging folks to look at other options than office work,” Bush said. “If you’re looking for good pay, tech jobs pay handsomely.”
As technology advances, an increasing number of manufacturing jobs will rely more heavily on technology and niche skills. The Trump Administration’s goals of reshoring manufacturing in the US may raise demand for skilled manufacturing workers even more.
“There’s loads of jobs in manufacturing,” Bush said. “There’s work for everyone, but are you interested? You have to have been shown it or seen it. Welding is a huge need area. All of my students get jobs. I have 100% job placement.”
Oswego’s technology education program introduces young people to the different manufacturing environments. The website’s self-assessment tool can help students learn more about the type of work they may want to do. The “What Can I Do With A Major In” worksheet can help guide students while talking with industry professionals so the students can get a better idea of how a college program can help them succeed in finding a good-paying career after graduation.
“I invite students to come check us out,” Bush said. “We have a minor in technology in the department. If you want to come experience some of it and not commit to the entire degree, come take a class. We have a lot of students who have chosen a degree they’re not happy with and want to switch. They take the minor at the very end. It’s never too late to change. We’d love to help you to reach your career goals.”
What’s Hot in Manufacturing
The New York Department of Labor’s 2024 Central New York Significant Industries report — the latest available — emphasizes four growing sectors within CNY’s manufacturing, attributing much of the expansion in manufacturing jobs to retiring baby boomers:
Food Manufacturing (NAICS Industry 311)
A greater emphasis on companies producing milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit, meat, and vegetable products that are locating or expanding in the region, has boosted job opportunities in food manufacturing. Employment in this industry is projected to grow faster than the all-industry average.
Paper Manufacturing (NAICS Industry 322)
Expansions in making specialty paper have led to growth in the local paper manufacturing industry. Paper manufacturing is high paying, with an annual average wage of $81,600. Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders make up 22% of the industry’s employment.
Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing (NAICS Industry 326)
Growth at local plastics products makers, especially those producing plastic containers for consumer products, has boosted employment in this industry. The industry also pays above average wages. Common occupations include assemblers and fabricators; metal and plastic molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders; and inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (NAICS Industry 334)
The computer and electronic product manufacturing industry is projected to grow by more than double the region’s all-industry growth rate. The industry also pays extremely well, averaging $106,300 a year, making it the highest-paying industry on the list. An increase in the number of defense-related contracts at local high-tech employers has helped employment rise in the industry. Typical occupations include electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers; software developers; and industrial engineers. The construction of the large Micron Technology semiconductor manufacturing complex in Clay will also lead to thousands of direct and spin-off job opportunities in this industry.
