WINNEBAGO - Manufacturers have work; they just need to find people who are qualified to do it.
First they need to change people's thinking of what a manufacturing job is.
"In our area, there's a need for maintenance mechanics, boiler operators, welders and truck drivers. There are others, but those are the big ones," says Connie Hines, site manager for Fairmont WorkForce Center, which serves Faribault, Martin and Watonwan counties.
"It was predicted this time would come," she said. "The skill gap has been talked about for a while."
The supply and demand of tradesmen's skills moves in a cycle, Hines said, but attitudes toward those professions plays a big part too, says Kyle Zierke, vice president of Zierke Built Manufacturing in Winnebago. The firm makes above-ground fuel tanks, custom trailers and items for the power-generation industry.
"I think people have the perception that welding is a dirty, low-paying job," Zierke said. "Most shops are clean and welders make a good living."
"Welding isn't that dark and dreary job any more," added Terry Ankeny, president of Blue Earth-based Tafco Equipment, which makes truck bodies and equipment.
The average wage for welders in this area is more than $15 per hour, said Linsey Warmka, director of Faribault County Development Corporation.
Greg Zierke is president of ZBM and has worked in the business for 30 years.
"It's totally changed from what it was 25 years ago," he said.
"Everything is regulated and we have to maintain a safe and clean environment," Greg Zierke said.
Making sure of that is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the International Organization for Standardization and Underwriters Laboratories.
"Air quality is a big thing," Greg Zierke said. A filter system cleans out the cloud of haze that used to be the norm in plants. "Those days are gone," he added.
Also gone are the days of welding being a job involving lots of heavy lifting.
"OSHA requires overhead hoists to lift stuff," Greg Zierke said. "It prolongs health and keeps accidents down."
It also makes it possible for women to get into welding, and the Zierkes are all for that.
"In all the trades," said Kyle Zierke. "They can make a decent living at it."
"It's a good profession for a man or a woman," said Ankeny, who believes the way people view the profession may keep women from trying it.
Kyle Zierke would like people to look toward the future and re-think pushing their children into a four-year college.
"I understand as a parent you want the best for your child," Kyle Zierke said. "There are plenty of blue collar jobs that pay better than a four-year education."
And might be a better fit for the child, Hines noted.
"People think if you can't handle college, then look at a two-year or one-year [program]," Hines said. "I hate the term 'They're not college material.'"
Even students who shine in academics might be better off taking the trade route, she said, because some people are just not happy working in an office.
"If someone loves tinkering on motors, two-year diesel mechanic training might help them secure a career they not only love, but a great income for their future," Hines said.
Welders don't sit behind a desk, Greg Zierke pointed out.
"It's a better lifestyle because you're moving, using muscles all day," he said, adding that most welders have an active lifestyle away from work as well.
And those blue collar jobs will always be there, the Zierkes said.
"If we didn't have people who have trade skills ..." Greg Zierke said.
"You wouldn't have a house," said Kyle Zierke, listing plumbing, electrical, carpentry and other skilled labor needed for the task.
"Our main objective is to draw people into the welding field," Ankeny said. "People are always looking for welders."
Tafco employs 45 welders and always needs more, Ankeny said. ZBM has 20 welders now and has hired six or seven welders in the past 12 months, said Greg Zierke.
"We're always looking," Kyle Zierke said.
