The manufacturing sector in the U.S. is still struggling to fill roles, even long after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that took such a toll on the industry. But that means it’s a good time for job candidates interested in joining the manufacturing field—there are plenty of openings, and employers are willing to offer more in order to attract and secure top talent.
If you’re interested in a career in manufacturing, or if you’re a manufacturing professional looking to take on a new role in the Twin Cities, it’s a good time to do it. The manufacturing industry employs nearly ten percent of the entire country, and it continues to serve as a leader in technology and innovative approaches. And while the manufacturing industry has recovered from the pandemic better than certain industries, there are still a lot of companies who need quality talent to remain successful. That’s where you come in.
Let’s talk about some of the great reasons to enter a career in manufacturing in the Twin Cities region. Then, we’ll take a look at some manufacturing roles that you might consider. Last but not least, we’ll discuss why partnering with a manufacturing employment agency for your job search is the perfect way to get started on your journey.
Why is Now a Great Time to Get a Manufacturing Job in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro Region
The Midwest, in general, is known as a hub for manufacturing, and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region is included in that. And with the COVID-19 pandemic having such an effect on the industry at large, it’s created the perfect vacuum for manufacturing professionals to take advantage of better opportunities and higher pay.
Here are some of the main reasons why it’s a great time to get involved in the Twin Cities manufacturing sector:
Demand is at an all-time high
According to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the pandemic wiped out more than 1.4 million manufacturing positions in the United States, effectively undoing a decade of job gains in the industry. By the end of 2020, more than 800,000 of those positions had been re-filled, but the remaining half-million or so remain open. Employers are still struggling to fill them—that means demand is at an all-time high right now.
The study also estimates that about 2.1 million manufacturing jobs are likely to be unfilled by 2030. In short, there are a lot of open manufacturing roles right now that employers are struggling to fill, and more roles are likely to open up as time goes on. (This is because of factors like Baby Boomers retiring and workers gravitating toward industries like warehousing over manufacturing.)
Wages are higher
Because of the higher demand for qualified manufacturing candidates, employers are willing to pay a premium to fill these roles. You’re likely to find higher salaries in the manufacturing world right now than you would have before. That means it’s a good time to get your foot in the door and get that good pay rate locked in.
On-the-job Training
Almost all manufacturing employers are willing and able to provide on-the-job training in order for candidates to advance or just get started in their field. In fact, many manufacturing jobs don’t require prior experience or education—you’ll learn everything you need to know on-the-job. That’s a good thing for people just starting to enter the workforce or those looking to enter the manufacturing sector from other industries.
Greater Flexibility
Job seekers are concerned with work/life balance now more than ever before. And flexible scheduling isn’t something reserved for the world of office work. Because manufacturing and shift work often goes hand in hand, the truth is that there is greater flexibility involved in manufacturing jobs than in many other industries. You’ll probably be able to choose from first shift, second shift, and third shift (overnight). That makes things easy for workers who need the flexibility for child care, side jobs, night classes, etc.
Manufacturing Jobs in Minnesota
What kind of manufacturing jobs can you find in areas like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rogers, and Blaine, MN? The short answer: all kinds. From machinists to welders, assemblers to finishers, and just about everything in between, you’re likely to find something that interests you in the Twin Cities area.
Let’s take a closer look at five manufacturing jobs directly from The Vision Companies job board:
Machine Operator
A machine operator enjoys a pay rate of more than $20 an hour and can often be hired with no experience and no particular educational requirement. Common job duties include:
- Assisting in unloading pallets
- Racking product
- Deburring edging from product
- Operating a tumbler
- Checking product with a variety of gauges
- Assisting in packing finished product for shipping
Torcher/Burner
A torcher/burner will also make $20 an hour or more, and manufacturing employers usually train on the-job. Candidates will need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Job duties include:
- Torching and cutting scrap metal of various sizes to specified dimensions using an oxygen/natural gas torch
- Performing pre-shift and post-shift inspections to ensure equipment is in good working order
- Wearing and maintaining the proper personal protective equipment supplied for the job; respirator, face mask
- Assisting with yard/facility clean-up and maintenance
- Maintaining a safe torching environment that is conducive to fire control
- Must be able to operate material handling equipment (front loader, bobcat, and forklift)
- Must be available to work overtime to include arriving early, staying late and Saturdays when needed
Finisher
Make up to $25 an hour with no education or experience required. The job duties of a finisher include:
- Sanding
- Brushing, spraying, or hand-rubbing finishing ingredients (paint, oil, stain) onto and into wood grain
- Applying primer, sealer, and topcoat
- Disassembling items to prepare for finishing, using hand tools
Punch Press Operator
Although you may need some experience to become a punch press operator, you probably won’t need to meet a specific educational requirement, and you can make up to $27 an hour. Duties include:
- Operating a Press/Stamping Machine
- Setting up tooling – previous tool and dye maintenance and repair preferred or related experience
- Various duties as assigned
CNC Machinist
With the right experience, you can make up to $34 an hour or more as a CNC Machinist. Typical job duties are as follows:
- Operating machines per instructions/short runs
- Providing set-up and editing of CNC machine / programming not necessary
- Operating forklift while moving bar stock on and off storage racks
- Performing finishing work such as deburring, parts washing, etc.
- Performing a few minor set-ups on less complex manual machines
- Maintaining a clean and safe workplace
Why Working with a Manufacturing Employment Agency is Advantageous
If you’re interested in exploring a career in the manufacturing sector, consider partnering with a manufacturing job recruiter. These individuals are experts in the field and make it their mission to match you with an employer you’ll love. Here are just a few of the many reasons why manufacturing employment agencies will be beneficial for your job search:
Get Hired Faster
Working with a staffing agency almost always means you’ll get hired faster than if you were to go it alone. You’ll have access to a much wider range of open positions than you would going through job postings by yourself. Plus, your recruiter will take the time to get to know your background, work experience, and skill set. That means he or she can match you precisely with a job that suits your skills and desires, drastically reducing the time to hire.
Reduces Job Hunting Stress
Wouldn’t having a trusted career advocate in your corner make things less stressful for you when you’re looking for a new job? Your recruiter makes things less burdensome because they’re doing the heavy lifting for you—they’ll guide you through the entire process, from application through to hire and beyond.
Resume and Interview Tips/Support
Even before you submit an application, your expert manufacturing job recruiter can help you polish up your resume to make you even more attractive to manufacturing employers. You’ll also work with your recruiter to boost your interviewing skills to really impress the hiring managers you meet. This not only helps your professional development, but it makes it all the more likely you’ll get hired—fast.
Start Your Career in Manufacturing Today!
Ready to get started on your manufacturing journey? The Vision Companies can help. Our manufacturing employment agency can put you to work with a Minnesota company that appreciates your hard work. Contact a member of our recruitment team today to learn more, and browse our job board to view available openings.
