David Rea

Catalyst Connection Announces CMfgA Training Program

The Certified Manufacturing Associate training program helps prepare dislocated workers, underemployed individuals, veterans, and more start a new career in manufacturing. The 25-class online training program from Tooling U-SME can be bundled with the nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate credential. This training program prepares individuals for high-demand, entry-level careers including assemblers, manufacturing associates, and production […]

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Elements of Great Workplace

Job searchers were primarily interested in landing a position with the most well-known organization until recently. The fame of a company appears to be less important nowadays. Employees search for firms with missions, goals and initiatives they can support. People want to trust the companies they work for hours each week. Why DEI Matters in […]

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The Eight Values of an Employer of Choice

Did you know that around 22% of employees plan to look for new jobs in 2022? The Great Resignation, which saw Americans leave their places of employment at a record clip during the second half of 2021, is still upon us. What will you do to make your business a place where employees want to be? One way is to […]

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How to Become an Employer of Choice (in 6 Easy Steps)

Be the Employer You Want to Work For Employers have begun to realize the importance of diversity in the workplace and the gravity of ignoring the rights a diverse employee base. Per the 2021-2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) Strategic Plan, guidelines are available to help employers improve acceptance and treatment of employees. Coach With […]

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How to Develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative

More than ever, workers, investors and consumers are demanding diversity in the workplace. According to a Glassdoor survey, 76% of jobseekers say diversity is important when evaluating a new employer. Making a business inclusive and equitable is essential to growth. For the manufacturing industry, developing a diversity initiative is a formidable task. By following a few processes […]

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The Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workforce

With everything that goes into running a manufacturing business, diversity initiatives often take a backseat to day-to-day processes. However, recent studies show direct links between equity and operational excellence. More importantly, a diverse workforce brings opportunities to every kind of person at every level. To highlight the importance of diversity in the workforce, let’s explore […]

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MFG Works Summit 2022 Recap

Last Wednesday, February 23rd, Catalyst Connection hosted the first annual MFG Works Summit at the Commonwealth Charter Academy. 152 attendees participated in the Summit to learn industry best practices on the topics of: Talent Attraction Hiring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Employee Retainment And More Our Keynote Speaker, Sabrina Saunders Mosby, kicked the day off and […]

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Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Manufacturing Workforce

Once a more traditional industry, manufacturing is now much more advanced and modern, and it requires diverse skill sets from all walks of life and experience. That’s why manufacturing leaders must stay on top of outreach efforts to attract diverse talent and create inclusive manufacturing environments that welcome everyone to participate and contribute. Manufacturers have […]

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Tackling the Manufacturing Skills Gap

According to a report from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), more than 25% of manufacturers had to turn down new business opportunities because of a lack of available workers to do the job. There is currently a fundamental skills gap in the U.S, resulting in a critical talent shortage affecting manufacturers. Many workers don’t […]

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Gaining Insights for a More Engaged Workforce

As workplaces continue adjusting to new ways of operating, concerns around employee engagement are at an all-time high for our region’s small and mid-sized manufacturers.  Workplace engagement has always been a high priority. However, it is no longer as easy to maintain high employee engagement levels when working at home or maintaining social distancing. Your […]

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