Join us for a continental breakfast and networking!

Join us as we kick off the 2024 MFG Works Conference! Find out what’s happening throughout the day and how you can make the most of your time with us!

These discussions promise to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to broaden their recruitment and hiring practices, ensuring a robust, inclusive, and skilled workforce. Discover the transformative power of embracing a wide spectrum of abilities and backgrounds, fostering a culture of diversity and innovation within your organization.

New Beginnings: Boosting Workforce with Second Chance Hiring
Explore the transformative impact of second chance hiring as Louis Thon from the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) shares how companies can benefit from offering employment opportunities to individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Discover the tools and best practices for creating supportive, inclusive workplaces that harness the potential of every employee, fostering loyalty, enthusiasm, and innovation

Beyond Barriers: Inclusive Hiring for People with Disabilities
John Wheeler from Uniquely Abled Project (UAP), a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind collaboration with the business community that focuses on the creation of vocational opportunities for the uniquely abled by matching their unique abilities to jobs in demand, will be our featured presenter. Join us for an exploration of the strengths and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the manufacturing workforce. Learn how to create accessible and inclusive hiring processes that not only comply with legal requirements but also unlock new levels of productivity and creativity. This session will provide practical tips for accommodation, technology, communication, and building a culture of belonging.

Bridges to Opportunity: Enriching Your Workforce with Refugee Talent
Refugees are often an audience of untapped potential for manufacturing workforces. Discover how to leverage the diverse experiences, resilience, and skills of refugees to enhance your company. This session offers a roadmap to successful integration strategies, fostering a workplace environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to your company’s success. Panelists include:

Maddy McGrady, Employment Supervisor at Hello Neighbor

“Innovative Retention Strategies,” will feature industry leaders who will discuss various modern methods to enhance employee retention. The conversation will address broader strategies for improving workplace culture and career development opportunities. Drawing from a range of successful examples, this panel aims to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for organizations looking to increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover, making it a crucial session for professionals across multiple sectors.

Panelists:

• Emily Jones, Human Resources Manager, Kurt J. Lesker Company
• Tarrah Myers, Human Resources Director at ProMinent Fluid Controls
• Bryan Powell, Human Resources Manager at AccroTool

A few minutes for a quick catch-up or connecting with other attendees.

Recruiting is competitive. The quality of jobs you offer can set your organization apart as an employer of choice. This session by Bonny Yeager, Senior Manager of Industry Solutions with Partner4Work, introduces the Job Quality Toolkit, a comprehensive resource based off of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Baldrige Excellence Framework and designed to help businesses enhance their workforce’s employment experience. This introduction to the Toolkit will share the multifaceted nature of job quality beyond pay and benefits, delving into elements like workplace safety, health, employee voice, scheduling predictability, skills development, and opportunities for advancement. With actionable strategies to assess and improve the aspects most valued by your employees leading to increased satisfaction and engagement–this toolkit offers the keys to not only attracting but also retaining a diverse, productive, and engaged workforce.

Details on this presentation by Christopher Barlow coming soon.

These discussions are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of your existing workforce through innovative training and retention strategies. Learn how to cultivate a workplace environment that not only nurtures skill development but also enhances employee satisfaction and loyalty. By focusing on the growth and well-being of your current employees, you’ll ensure your organization remains competitive and adaptive in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.

Pathways to Mastery: Elevating Skills through Apprenticeships
Dive into the world of apprenticeships as a powerful tool for skill development and employee engagement. John Tkach will facilitate this session that guides you through setting up successful apprenticeship programs that cater to the needs of both your company and your employees. Learn how these programs can create clear career pathways, enhance job satisfaction, and secure a pipeline of skilled talent for the future.

How to Stop Manufacturing Burnout
Burnout poses a significant risk to workforce stability and productivity. This breakout with Dr. Geri Puleo provides essential insights into identifying early signs of employee burnout and implementing proactive measures to address it. Discover effective strategies to cultivate a supportive work culture that prioritizes mental health and work-life balance, ensuring your team remains energized and motivated.

Crafting a Magnetic Workplace: The Power of Employer Branding
Explore the critical role of employer branding in attracting and retaining top talent. This session featuring Trish Parkhill provides effective strategies to communicate your company’s values, culture, and employee value proposition. Learn how to stand out in the competitive job market by building a brand that resonates with your current and future employees, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within your organization.

Join fellow attendees for networking and lunch before our keynote address.

Chris Czarnik (Zarr-Nick) has spent the last 20 years figuring out why people go to and leave organizations. As one of the most accomplished career coaches in the country, he has helped thousands of job seekers figure out how to identify organizations and jobs that are a great fit for them. As one CEO said, “If you are fishing for talent…he just spent the last 17 years with the fish!”

Learn more

A few minutes for a quick catch-up or connecting with other attendees.

Passport / IAW
Tim Kaulen, Executive Director of the Industrial Arts Workshop (IAW), will discuss how they empower Pittsburgh-area youth and adults at the intersection of arts, community development, and workforce readiness. Through the creative process of hands-on sculpture design and welding, students develop skills and have experiences that help prepare them for the workplace – whether that be in welding, another trade, the arts, or some other field all together. Youth and adults who complete our programs will be stronger, more resilient, and prepared for a bright future.

Come learn how this organization engages youth in programming that can put them on a pathway toward a career and most recently has also been working with adult job seekers for training.

CCAC
Justin Starr, PhD, Endowed Professor of Advanced Technologies with the Community College of Allegheny County, will discuss the new Center for Education, Innovation & Training (CEIT) and possibilities it unlocks for training students, job seekers, and incumbent workers. Opening for classes in January 2024, the new 60,000-square-foot facility represents the college’s long-standing commitment to preparing the region’s workforce with the skills employers need now and in the future.

PNC
Brianna McMeekin, VP, Head of PartnerUp, Talent Programs, PNC Financial Services will discuss how PartnerUp® brings together employers and educators to help students prepare today, thrive tomorrow. We collaborate with employers from various industries because we know students have unique interests and skillsets, and we strive to give choices when it comes to their careers.

As you finish your day at the MFG Works Conference, take a moment to reflect on all you learned and how to apply it to your organization.