Welcome to The Catalyst, an exciting and insightful podcast produced by Northeast Iowa Community College. I'm your host, Lasack. Together, we'll explore the people, programs, partnerships that make Northeast Iowa Community College unique. From student success stories to behind the scenes info about athletics, innovation and industry collaboration, each episode dives deeper into your community's college. Get ready for an inside look at the impact of community driven education at NICC.
Amy Lasack:Well, back to the Catalyst Podcast. Today we're talking about how employer voices directly shape the programs that we build here at Northeast Iowa Community College Through our regular manufacturing alliance group, one workforce need kept rising to the top, the need for talent, and for some of those foundational skills needed to be successful in today's manufacturing environment. And so NICC is launching a brand new Career Pathway Certificate, our core manufacturing skills certificate. It's designed to help individuals build the basic skills needed to start a career in manufacturing while helping employers strengthen their talent pipeline. So I'm joined by two manufacturing leaders from our alliance group to talk about what they're seeing in their industry and why these core skills matter so much and how this new pathway can open doors for individuals.
Amy Lasack:So I want to welcome Jason Moeller. He's the director of fabrication and operational Excellence at MyDM, and Shannon Westin, Director of Human Resources at Featherlite Trailers. Welcome to the both of you.
Jason Moeller:You so
Shannon Westin:much for having me.
Jason Moeller:Thanks for having Absolutely.
Amy Lasack:So it might surprise people that employers who typically compete for the same pool of workers are willing to work together on a certificate such as this, and we actually have 13 employers on board. So why why is it important for you as an employer to help put together a certificate like this and assist with pipeline needs for the industry as a whole? Jason, we'll start with you.
Jason Moeller:I I personally think it's very important just for the fact that when you think about just manufacturing in general and the need for manufacturing, if we if we build the right skill set and and have the tools for people to succeed earlier in their careers, it it just makes all manufacturers that much more competitive. When you think about, you know, going back to even early on when, you know, you could come in and everything was was hands on training and you learn the hard way. If you can get a head start and not have to go through all of the trials and tribulations that maybe some of our team members early on in their careers had to go through and they have that advantage when they step in the door. It's just a competitive advantage for all of us. You know, the other thing that as we've been going through this process, we've really appreciated the partnership.
Jason Moeller:It's just the the being able to share best practices with other manufacturers in the community and and saying, how do we continue to evolve this, and and make each other stronger. So, it's just a great partnership overall.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. And who doesn't like a head start on anything. Right?
Jason Moeller:Yep.
Amy Lasack:Shannon, I I'm assuming you agree with a lot of that. What are your thoughts related manufacturers to to strengthen the pipeline?
Shannon Westin:You know, I think, ultimately, we're all, looking for the same thing, and that's trying to help people, find success. And whether that's in our organization or, you know, a a manufacturer down the street, ultimately, we want people to be happy in their roles, and and that may be CNC machining. It may be, you know, welding at a trailer manufacturing facility like ours. And and, ultimately, it's it's not great for us if we've got somebody in the role that that doesn't enjoy doing it. Mhmm.
Shannon Westin:It's not great for the organization. That passion is really what drives success. And so, ultimately, I think just helping, you know, work together to make sure we're establishing the building blocks that people can come in and and and see if it's a fit for them and and grow long term success, whether it's here or, with a neighboring manufacturing facility. There's lots of great opportunities that people can be passionate about in manufacturing.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. That's a really good point. And I mentioned earlier, we have 13 different manufacturers that have signed on to support the certificate. Iowa Roto Plastics, Featherlite Trailers, Alumeline, Rite Hite, Donaldson Filtration Solutions, TriMark, MyDM, Unison, Engineering Services and Products, Dico, Avica, Clauer Manufacturing, and Kalmar Manufacturing. So when we say manufacturing, it really encompasses a wide variety of different subsets of manufacturing.
Amy Lasack:So Shannon, can you talk a little bit about Featherlite trailers and what you all do for somebody who's not familiar? And then, Jason, I'd love for you to do the same with MyDM.
Shannon Westin:Yeah. Absolutely. So, we are a long standing trusted, manufacturer manufacturer of trailer products and mobile solutions, really. So we've got one of the widest ranges of products in the industry, anything from a utility trailer, open utility trailer, all the way to a custom race car transporter, and so everything in between. A really wide range of the work that we do.
Shannon Westin:We are headquartered in Cresco, Iowa and employ a team of approximately 400 highly skilled, passionate people.
Amy Lasack:Great. And, Jason, what about MyDM?
Jason Moeller:Well, MyDM is actually fifty five years, this year, so we're celebrating fifty five years. The bread and butter really started with our power washer and then it's evolved over time. So we have both hot and cold water pressure washers. We do air compressors. We do generators.
Jason Moeller:Then on the fabrication side where I spend a lot of my time, we also, we call it farm out our capacity to other local manufacturers. When we talk about not only the partnership with the NICC, but the partnership that we have with other local manufacturers. We all kind of share work because maybe somebody has a press that we don't have or maybe we have a certain type of robot to to weld components for them. So not only sharing the talent, but we also share a lot of the capacity and and and capabilities that that we may not have or somebody else may not have.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. I love that about the manufacturing industry, and I've had a chance to walk through each of your plants here in the last couple years, and it's so impressive. What would you say to somebody who maybe hasn't been in a manufacturing plant for twenty years, and what's changed? Jason, we'll start with you.
Jason Moeller:It's not what people think of in manufacturing. So if you think about manufacturing and and maybe some of the the old stereotypes where it's dark and dingy and and, it it's no longer. When you think about manufacturing, there's a lot of just changes whether it's in technology, whether it's it's just how people treat manufacturing. I mean, we take pride in our overall housekeeping, making sure that things are kept up to speed from a facility standpoint. But at the same time, it's it's it's a selling point when you when you talk about recruiting and and you can use your facility as a recruiting aspect.
Jason Moeller:That's what we take pride in our overall just cleanliness and and being able to invite people to showcase our our products because it's a selling point for us as well.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. Shannon, it's very, very similar to what I experienced when I went through Featherlite.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely. I think people can expect much safer, comfortable workspaces. I I feel like things are much more data driven probably than they were twenty years ago, and so so the work is different in a sense. We're we're much more efficient in things than than maybe we were twenty years ago. And then there are some pieces that are the same, though, and that's really getting to dive into, important work and and get good at a skill.
Shannon Westin:So that people that are passionate about that part of it, it's still very hands on in manufacturing as well.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. And I think one of the things that gets overlooked a lot in Iowa manufacturing is our footprint across the country and across the world really. Each of your plants extend way beyond the town or the state that you're in. Jason, here's a chance for you to brag a little bit about MyDM and kind of everywhere that you've had a chance to have a product touch.
Jason Moeller:Yeah, mean, it's no longer just we're we're shipping things regionally. I mean, we're we're all over. We, you know, depending on the situation, there's there's been products that we've had to ship to other countries to help out with post hurricane or post post emergency type of weather patterns. So our products touch, you know, end to end and and we also, you know, from a global economy, supply chains are kind of set up that way too. We have seen a little bit of change over the last couple of years for sure where we're trying to bring more manufacturing back into The United States, but right now there's still a lot of manufacturers that have to deal with the ever evolving supply chains that we have and getting our name and our recognition out there has always been something that we strive to do.
Amy Lasack:And I know Featherlight Shannon has really put its footprint on on some pretty big stages.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely. We we partner with, especially on the, the specialty side of the business, some some big names in the world, you know, partners of NASCAR, and, you know, we've done trailers from some some really unique places. We do do some some military type, work as well. And so similarly to Jason, our our products are found all over the world, and we take a lot of pride in that. And and it it brings a a fun customer base, as well.
Shannon Westin:And and I think just just knowing that, you gotta watch something be built, you know, from absolutely nothing into something that that goes out in a beautiful state to a really cool customer, that feels that feels very neat. There's lot of pride there for sure.
Amy Lasack:So as an employer in manufacturing, what are some of the biggest challenges that you are facing today? Shannon?
Shannon Westin:You know, I think just we we have a pretty tenured group, similar to a lot of manufacturing places, I think, and and those retirements are starting to happen, and, new tools have really been introduced in the last couple years through AI and just different just different software. So you've got it kind of coming from both directions. You've got a lot of your knowledge leaving and a lot of new new tools entering and trying to get that timing right into, you know, that transfer of knowledge into that understanding of the new tools. And so that succession planning is critical, and and challenging at the same time. Getting the timing right is is a challenge sometimes.
Amy Lasack:Jason, what kind of challenges are you facing?
Jason Moeller:Yeah, I mean, Shannon said it perfectly. I mean, I think every employer has those same challenges, but I think, you know, even taking that to the next step, I mean, you think about, you know, the the ten year and the things that people have in their head because maybe early in their careers, we didn't document things. It it takes longer to be able to train somebody. So how do we take that and learn from that and and be able to do better documentation and and prepare for those retirements because, yeah, we we've relied on a lot of tenure, a lot of great tenure, and that's what we built our foundation on. But, part of my role is to make sure that we can bridge that gap to the future and and being able to take those experiences and and definitely make it easier for that next generation coming in.
Amy Lasack:Sure. So these retirements also will create opportunity for other people who are interested in getting their foot in the door at manufacturing. What sort of traits make somebody be successful within a manufacturing industry?
Jason Moeller:I personally, I mean, if you think about a somebody that can come in and is hardworking and we can train all the other aspects. But if somebody is driven, hard working, willing to learn, those are those are skills that doesn't necessarily get taught in a class or anything like that. And and we can take that and mold them into, you know, very good, MyDM core manufacturing talent. And, you know, when I think about, you know, coming from like a, athletic background, when you're when you have some of those traits being in in athletics or or anything that helps drive that competitiveness, that's also something that when you look at those skills and and that desire to be better all the time, those are things that you know, look at and saying, does this individual want to go and and improve himself every single day? So once again, whether it's athletics, your band member, whatever it is, and you want to continue to grow as an individual, that's, you know, when we when we interview, that's kind of what we look for.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. That's a very good point about those transferable skills. If somebody might not have thought that the skills that they have might transfer into a job at a manufacturing facility. Shannon, are you kind of seeing the same thing? Are there other traits that make somebody, a good candidate?
Shannon Westin:Yeah. I definitely agree with Jason that that, like, innate motivation to to win. Right? We all we all wanna win and do better and and be the best we can. And so that motivation is is key.
Shannon Westin:But I think just honestly, like, learning agility, being able to to pick up skills quickly, whether it's a new skill or a new software. Some some digital, knowledge as well, right, and comfort for sure is important in the in the new world. And then also the, you know, the technical pieces that are that are just critical of manufacturing as well, like how to read blueprints and a tape measure. So it's kind of a good mix of all the all of the different skills, and I guess that's kind of what makes, manufacturing unique. I really think people that come out of manufacturing could really go anywhere and be successful because it's such a wide scope of the things they have to know and do well.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. And a lot of what you both just shared was what we heard from the manufacturing alliance as we were creating the certificate. And so individuals that were to go through that certificate would really be able to communicate to you that, hey, I demonstrated this by completing certificate. So that that's a as you mentioned, Jason, a step forward or get a head start.
Jason Moeller:Yeah. And and when you think about it and I was just thinking about this when Shannon was talking. So even, like, when I went through shop class in in high school and and and just thinking about how that's evolved over time and and being able to read the tape measure maybe down to only an eighth of an inch and now precision manufacturing, you know, you have to get down to the decimal level and just being able to take that and be able to build upon that skill set because it's not something right now it's taught very often in high schools. Being able to not only read a tape measure but to be able to think about the precision equipment that we have to use to perform at the highest level from a quality standpoint. That's definitely something that we're looking forward to continuing this partnership with.
Amy Lasack:I know a lot of the positions at both of your facilities, require skill sets like decision making, being able to analyze teamwork, communication. All of those pieces are such critical pieces to be successful.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely.
Amy Lasack:So talk a little bit too about automation, smart manufacturing, how that has evolved over the last couple years, because I think, think there's still a perception out there that you don't need to be very smart to go into manufacturing. It's a physical job, but that could be furthest from the truth.
Jason Moeller:Yeah, when you think about smart manufacturing and and I'll speak both from my DM and my previous experience, smart manufacturing, it's truly you still have to blend the talent that you have, and try to make it easier. And we use the you wanna work smarter, not harder. And that's really where that smart tech technology comes in. Because we wanna make sure that we can build in quality. So it doesn't have to be always on the individual to make those quality decisions.
Jason Moeller:How do you make whether it's use use of paper? We just recently implemented an ERP system to be able to tie manufacturing together and Shannon talked about data driven. Having computers to be able to tell you like if a machine is is starting to run hot or, the downtime is starting to get a little out of control or even tracking efficiencies. Those are all things that we're we're working towards and blending the the skill and the craftsmanship that we have within our team and bringing that smart manufacturing and trying to blend the two of them.
Amy Lasack:Yeah, and Shannon, a big part of the certificate is also safety and the role that that plays within manufacturing.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely. It's, critical to the success of an organization really, to to be safe. And so, I think it's a a critical part of the class, and it's a part that not only will, benefit the organization, but will really drive, positive outcomes through the length of their employment. So the things that they're learning I think it's part of the OSHA 10. Is that correct?
Shannon Westin:That they're that we've got in the course, Amy?
Amy Lasack:Yep.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely. So so having that safety knowledge is is really gonna add value to any organization that they join immediately, help reduce injuries and and, outcomes for all employees.
Jason Moeller:No. That's another thing just on smart technology too and and building in safety to our equipment. So it's it's it's one thing to once again have that ten year person that can run the machine, but you have to rely on that smart technology. So if whether it's light curtains, whether it's floor mats, anything like that, we have to build that within our processes now and that's the evolution over time from a manufacturing standpoint. It's just it's OSHA mandated, but every employer, is part of that safety driven culture that that everyone needs to have.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. That's that culture is embedded. And I'm hearing, you know, when it comes to safety and quality, those are two pieces that I hear from every manufacturer we talk to.
Jason Moeller:Yeah, most definitely. I mean, that's what that's definitely what, you know, the the most competitive and the most successful, those top two right there, safety and quality. The rest will fall in place if you have good safety and you have good quality.
Amy Lasack:Absolutely. Well, I I don't know if you've heard our podcast before, but we tend to have a a fun little fact or fiction segment to round off the end of that. So if you're game, I'd love to play that with you both as well.
Shannon Westin:I'm good. I'm in if you're in, Jason.
Jason Moeller:I'm in.
Amy Lasack:All right, so Shannon, we're gonna start with you with an easy one, okay? Perfect. If you haven't been in a manufacturing plant in twenty five years, not much has changed, is that fact or fiction?
Shannon Westin:I would say fiction.
Amy Lasack:Yes. So if you were listening, you probably heard Jason talk about that a little earlier too. Yep. Alright. Jason, how about manufacturing today requires more problem solving than people realize?
Jason Moeller:100% fact. Know, I talked about it earlier and and sometimes when you have parts with the precision that we have to make and and you're trying to figure out why they don't fit together, there's a lot of problem solving that goes into that. So, you know, and that's also part of the lean program that we're we're developing and understanding how do you get everyone solving problems together. Great. Definitely a fact.
Amy Lasack:So, Shannon, you have to spend years in a classroom before your job ready for a manufacturer. Is that fact or fiction?
Shannon Westin:Fiction. Fiction. We've got a lot of great, team members, and I'm sure Jason does too. It's great to get those basics in. And, of course, like, we've got, created through NICC, with this this partnership and the other manufacturers.
Shannon Westin:However, we got a lot of great, talent that, does a fantastic job of really helping to train our our new employees and, are more than willing to help pass along that skill for for people that that have the motivation and desire to learn it. So, so we do a lot of on the job training, and I think a lot of other manufacturing factories do as well. This is a great base to really get a jump start on some of that.
Amy Lasack:Yeah. Think that's one of the things I'm most impressed with Iowa manufacturers is you're really a lifelong learner if you work at a manufacturing plant. There's a lot of time and effort invested in our manufacturing employees.
Shannon Westin:Absolutely.
Amy Lasack:All right, so Jason, someone can build a long career in manufacturing even if they start only with foundational skills that the core manufacturing skill certificate can offer. Is that fact or fiction?
Jason Moeller:That is fact, and and we both talked about it now. We have a lot of ten year employees. In fact, we just celebrated somebody's forty first service award and which is just crazy to think about, but forty one years for one company is unreal.
Amy Lasack:That is unreal. That's fantastic. I love hearing those types of stories. Shannon, how about upskilling current employees always means losing production time?
Shannon Westin:I I totally fiction.
Amy Lasack:So tell tell me a little bit more about that.
Shannon Westin:Yeah. So I think, you actually gain sometimes in in productivity by having depth in your organization. And then, honestly, it just it really improves engagement. I think when people really understand the larger scope of what's going on in a manufacturing facility, they find more value in the work that they do. They can weigh in in more situations and add ideas that are valuable and cherished ideas.
Shannon Westin:So, you know, if it's a slowdown here, you gain tenfold, in in another area. So fiction for sure.
Jason Moeller:And I'll I'll just add to her because I agree with her answer a 100%. And I think, when you think about it's it's beyond getting those certificate from NICC. If employers don't continue that education here or wherever, That's just the skills that we're we're losing. So we wanna continue developing those year over year and whether it's fifteen minutes here, half hour there, hour there, it comes back tenfold. So definitely that continued development and and once again working with somebody like NICC where we've had customized trainings where we've asked for where we didn't necessarily have a skill set here.
Jason Moeller:Hey, we're we're needing this and and, you know, NICC has been able to help us out. Great.
Amy Lasack:Jason, last one for you. How about the right attitude and willingness to learn can matter as much as technical experience?
Jason Moeller:1000%. You know, the the the attitude trumps everything, and if you come in with a great attitude, you can you can be very successful.
Amy Lasack:Great. Well, believe it or not, we're rounding out our time together for the podcast. I wanna thank both of you. And if you're listening to this and you have interest, I would encourage you to go to our website to check out our core manufacturing skills class. We will be starting two classes, one up in the Northern area on our Kalmar campus and one in the Southern region at our Piazza campus because we have employers in both areas who are super interested in sending people and, hiring from those classes as well.
Amy Lasack:So go to our website. We've got the QR code up there, or you can give us a call at (563) 562-3263 1399. So Jason and Shannon, thank you so much for your time.
Jason Moeller:Thanks, Riley.
Shannon Westin:My pleasure. Thank you.
Amy Lasack:So and big thank you also to all our other manufacturing alliance leaders for sharing their insight and helping us build this particular certificate. We are super excited to see it run here in about a month. And for everybody listening, thank you for joining us. We'll see you next time. Thanks for joining us on this episode of The Catalyst.
Amy Lasack:If you enjoyed the conversation, make sure to follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Want to learn more about NICC and the many ways we support our students, partners, and community? Visit nicc.edu for more resources and upcoming opportunities. This podcast is produced by Northeast Iowa Community College and hosted by me, Amy Lasack, with executive producer Tessa Hill, producer Travis Hunt, and graphic designer Ashley Konzen.