Posts Tagged ‘hiring’

Racing to find skilled workers

August 3rd, 2011
By: Vicki Bell

If there's one topic that weaves its way into more articles and blog posts on thefabricator.com than almost any other, it's the dearth of skilled labor. Despite high unemployment, many manufacturers continue to struggle to find workers with the right skills. 

In his article "Fabricator finds path to skilled labor," my colleague, Senior Editor Tim Heston, described how Crow Corp., a metal fabrication company located in the Houston area, outsourced its hiring process and found that the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

Some companies, such as Hudson, N.H.-based Gilchrist Metal Fabricating Co. (GMFCO) are going the extra mile to find skilled workers. (more...)

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Factory workers and lawyers

May 25th, 2011
By: Vicki Bell

A Fiscal Times article posted on money.msn.com May 23 noted that the U.S. labor market has been looking stronger in recent months as private-sector companies have added two million workers since early 2010, with the "overwhelming bulk" coming from small businesses.  As reported, so far this year, payroll increases have accelerated to 214,000 per month, the strongest four-month pace in five years.

But, as the article states, there's a catch. (more...)

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Posted in Shop Soapbox, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Hiring heroes

May 18th, 2011
By: Vicki Bell

Since the news of Osama Bin Laden's death at the hands of U.S. Navy Seals broke, I’ve shied away from writing about the event. It's been covered thoroughly by media and trumpeted at every opportunity as a major coup by the current administration—which you have to admit it is, no matter which side of the political fence you're on. 

So this post is not about Bin Laden and his long-time-coming demise, but rather about the U.S. military involved for years in waging the tough battle against terrorism. To be more exact, it's about the futures of these brave men and women. What happens when they come home? How and where will they find jobs in this tough economy? (more...)

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Posted in Training and Retention | No Comments »

Are small businesses optimistic enough to hire?

February 23rd, 2011
By: Vicki Bell

Do you own or work for a small business? How's your business faring these days? Are you hiring? 

February 16, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing titled "Putting Americans Back to Work: the State of the Small Business Economy." Speaking before the meeting, Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), ranking member of the Committee, delivered a statement that said, in part, "the economy has begun to grow again and a recovery is underway. However, it is clear that there is a long way to go and entrepreneurs are still struggling on many fronts."  (more...)

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Posted in Shop Soapbox | 1 Comment »

The dangers of hiring on the cheap

February 2nd, 2010
By: Tim Heston

Despite the drama at Toyota (talk about the risk of standardized parts) and the political sideshows in Washington, on the main stage of American life, something’s happening. Business is decidedly better.

As Chris Kuehl, economist for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, put it in a Feb. 1 newsletter, “The latest GDP numbers are the best they have been in over a year and a half and suggest that a recession is in clear retreat.” Alright! It’s time to start hiring again, right?

Not so fast.

(more...)

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