Manufacturers must improve their public image through information, marketing, and education campaigns, as well as more active engagement in the communities in which they reside, to raise awareness about modern manufacturing and the important contribution it makes to the Canadian economy.
Manufacturers must work more closely with schools, colleges, and universities, to inform young people and their parents about the career opportunities available in the sector and in other businesses that are crucial to manufacturing success.
Manufacturers must engage parents and students in discussions about career opportunities and employment needs.
Manufacturers must change perceptions earlier in education and at career symposiums. They need to develop more role models, mentoring programs and create more summer jobs and co-op opportunities.
Greater attention must be paid to manufacturing as a source of high-paying jobs. Manufacturers must prove that their commitment to enhancing productivity means more, higher paying employment opportunities in Canada, not fewer or lower paying jobs. They must also actively promote employment opportunities.
Manufacturers must make the public better aware of their successes, responsible management, and progressive practices for attracting and retaining personnel. Then, they have to “walk the talk”.
Manufacturers in smaller towns and non-urban areas must especially emphasize their successes and employment opportunities, as well as the advantages of locating in their local communities.
Manufacturers and municipal and economic development authorities must work together to promote their communities as attractive locations for people to live and work.
“We must become storytellers. Tell the great manufacturing story to schools, government, and the community.”
“Productivity in Huron County is much higher than in Toronto or North Carolina where we also have plants.”
“Like many successful organizations, we are focused on three things: innovation, performance and brand.”
“Our competitive advantage is built on intellectual capital”