Carbon Chamber and Economic Development recently held the third in our series of four Manufacturers' Roundtables for 2016. This is a new group formed by CCEDC for the benefit of Carbon County manufacturers that helps to address issues they may be facing in the industry and then helps them to find solutions.

After the main discussion on cyber security, other topics were brought up that concerned not only our local manufacturers, but includes something that is quickly becoming a national problem. Did you know the majority of skilled workers in manufacturing are 55 and over and will be retiring soon?By 2020 it is predicted there could be a shortfall of 10 million workers in manufacturing-related industries nationwide.What happens when a company hires a younger person to fill the position vacated by a retiring skilled worker? Who is there to pass on the knowledge that the retiree had to the newer employee? This lack of experience means loss of productivity and ultimately loss of revenue for the company.Some companies hire the retiree back on a part-time basis as a consultant to train and work with the new employee. This is a great solution to a problem that is becoming more and more commonplace.So how do we find solutions?In June, CCEDC worked with Dr. Robert Mauro to facilitate a teacher in the workforce program. Twenty-one teachers from Carbon County's school districts and CCTI visited local manufacturers and businesses to observe what is required from students when they enter the workforce. The teachers were very impressed with what they saw and learned and are excited to take that knowledge back to their classrooms. But they need help.Educators, employers, community leaders and parents should work together with students to show that young people who are trained in the skilled trades should be considered a key source of innovation for our future.When we encourage people with skills to work with their hands, we can help foster the innovation that just might lead to a better mousetrap.Encouraging your child to work with his or her hands to build something simple like a bird house or working with them to fix a bicycle or something else around the house is invaluable.Talk to the guidance counselors at school. Make sure that your child is shown all the opportunities that are open to them.Understand that not every student is a good candidate for a college degree and that's OK.Work with your child's strengths and find the career and education or training that is right for them whether it be a career that requires a college degree or furthering their education at a trade school to become a welder or electrician. Then support them.Our Business and Education Partnership Committee at CCEDC is working to bring schools and businesses together as partners to learn from each other what is needed to train and educate the future generations of workers.The future of our country depends on it. If you want to find out how to get involved, contact us at the chamber today at 610-379-5000.