Comments for Speaking of Precision Blog

Comment on The REAL Unemployment Problem- Creating a Permanent Class of Government Dependents by David Johnson

David Johnson — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:45:41 +0000

I believe the reasons there aren’t more candidates for metal working, machining and such is two fold. One there are alot of this generation that are fixated on playing video games and want to be the next millionare game designer. They don’t want to get their hands durty in manufacturing. Second as was pointed out by John, high schools these days are eliminating the machine shop classes due to budget constraints and lack of enrollment. I was lucky enough to have that training available to me when going to high school. Upon graduating went on into the family business being third generation. My grandfather was a tool and die maker as was my father before me.

As far as unemployment is concerned the number is actually higher just people have stopped looking. Someone once said that the only thing keping us form being in a so called depression is the social programs of the government. If unemployment wasn’t being propped up with extensions in the weeks of unemployment compensation, we would be worse off. But then again maybe we really are and just don’t know it.

Comment on Scientists Make Transparent Aluminum by Transparent Aluminum- ALON -Take 2 « Speaking of Precision Blog

Transparent Aluminum- ALON -Take 2 « Speaking of Precision Blog — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:37:17 +0000

[...] wrote about Transparent Aluminum early in our blogging adventure. Nowdays, we can talk to our [...]

Comment on Laps On Rolled Steel Products by Slivers On Rolled Steel Products « Speaking of Precision Blog

Slivers On Rolled Steel Products « Speaking of Precision Blog — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:18:50 +0000

[...] are often mistaken for shearing, scabs, and laps. We will post about these other defects in the future. Share [...]

Comment on Lost Tortoise in Your Shop? by speakingofprecision

speakingofprecision — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:36:25 +0000

The problem that some of us have is that we see a ‘potential value’ of what is clearly to you an NVA email. There might be one nugget that could in fact be of high importance as an indicator or prompt to a new way of thinking. Those of us who see that potential tend to be accumulators and the cost of inefficieny due to all that ‘accumulation’ is real too.
But compared to the cost of ‘not learning that one key thing…?’ Thanks for pointing out the email tortoise.

Comment on The REAL Unemployment Problem- Creating a Permanent Class of Government Dependents by speakingofprecision

speakingofprecision — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:29:35 +0000

What a fact filled and poignant response. I am pleased to see my son take up the trade, I think that folks with skills will be in far greater demand as us baby boomers check out of the industry… Thanks for advancing the conversation.

Comment on Lost Tortoise in Your Shop? by Dan

Dan — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:01:11 +0000

Excellent blog Miles! Great connection with the tortoise. How about the overwhelming number of non-value added emails that come across the ether? A few weeks ago I counted VA vs. NVA emails and found 2/3 were NVA. Just determining they are NVA and deleting them sucks cash out of an organization.

Comment on Bubbles Can Be Bad For Your Fluids-And Your Bottom Line! by Karin Pok

Karin Pok — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:15:18 +0000

Thx for information.

Comment on The REAL Unemployment Problem- Creating a Permanent Class of Government Dependents by Bill Strahan BEng MBA

Bill Strahan BEng MBA — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:01:15 +0000

Although I write from the UK, I’m in Northern Ireland, where something like 60% of jobs are (or have been) directly dependent on the UK government for some time. Our formerly strong manufacturing base withered in the 1960 to 70s as recession bit, and more recently manufacturing professionals have seen off-shoring result in further redundancies, and the type of miserable social experiences for the redundant and their families. These experiences have become ingrained in the mindsets of the communities. Even here, where few manufacturing jobs exist, many are being filled by migrant workers, mainly from eastern Europe. This is also partly due to the welfare system, but where you have areas of growth in the US, it’s not hard to see why the social experiences of those affected by previous layoffs would discourage anyone from feeling secure enough to commit to a career in manufacturing. Despite the fact that I love the fact that I work in manufacturing, where tangible value add pays my wages, I’d be reluctant to see my kids follow me. Certainly not if they want to stay in this part of the world.

Comment on Lost Tortoise in Your Shop? by Donald Luigi Crusan (@qaqcpipeman)

Donald Luigi Crusan (@qaqcpipeman) — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:32:09 +0000

Great Stuff Miles, I Cringed at the waste I seen at a vendor last year.

Comment on The REAL Unemployment Problem- Creating a Permanent Class of Government Dependents by John Collier

John Collier — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:22:34 +0000

Candidates usually come from families that are already in the business. In recent history the work experience of a family member in this economic turmoil, starting with jobs being exported to Mexico and then to China, did not present an environment that would beckon talented individuals to pursue a career in the manufacturing community.

Most significantly the father’s experience in the manufacturing sector should contribute to the son or daughter considering a position in the manufacturing world. But, add to this dilemma the onus of relocation of the business done on the basis of a financial wizard’s calculations, that results in the disruption to a family’s life style may also contribute to the lack of prospects for skilled tradesman.

It is a very complex problem, because at the end of the day the first and foremost objective is to produce a quality product and make a profit. If all do not share or feel they are sharing in the success of the company and feel good about their job, then don’t be surprised at the lack of candidates. The word of mouth explanation of the job will either bring you candidates or reduce the pool of available candidates..

Plus, add to this dilemma the reduction or elimination of apprenticeship programs by manufacturers, when schools can provide the basics, but if there is nothing guaranteed at the end, then this situation will also contribute to the reduction of the number of qualified candidates.

In these economic times, what is the right solution? Your guess is as good as mine!