Massachusetts MEP: Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2003

For more information please contact:
Jack Healy
MassMEP
Tel: 508-831-7020
Email: jackh@massmep.org

MassMEP Helps Jewelry Industry Fill Void Left By Retiring Workers

ATTLEBORO, MA - Analysts predict over the next few years that despite a sagging economy, there will be an increasing need to fill a large number of highly skilled positions in the manufacturing sector in Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a result of retirement.

Assisted by a $23,000 grant from the Massachusetts Division of Employment Training, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) is developing a program to help the jewelry manufacturing industry in both states replace the growing number of retirees. It's estimated that more than 30% of the Commonwealth's workforce will retire by 2020.

"The MassMEP is working with the Attleboro Providence Jewelry Network to identify areas to focus training efforts that will meet future staffing requirements," said Jim Gusha, MassMEP Project Manager. "Meeting the manufacturing sector's need to replace skilled employees is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of industries that account for more than half of each state's economic base."

Gusha says career ladders need to be established and training programs identified within organizations and industry groups to help address what has become a pressing need. "It's projected that not just in the jewelry industry, but throughout manufacturing, professional and technical occupations and skilled machinists will have the largest number of job openings," added Gusha.

The MassMEP also intends to follow up its collaboration with the jewelry network by working with similar manufacturing organizations to meet their needs resulting from employee retirement. Additionally, manufacturers recognize that technological advancements will require higher skill levels and the need for updated job practices and training programs like those offered by the MassMEP.

The mission of the Workforce Training Fund is to provide employers and industry groups with the resources to invest in the Massachusetts workforce and improve employee skills, and to maintain the economic strength and viability of the Commonwealth's businesses. The fund's major focus is on small to medium-sized businesses that would not be able to make this investment without the assistance of the fund.

MassMEP is an affiliate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2,000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits and enhanced global competitiveness. For more information on the services MassMEP project managers provide, contact the Worcester office at (508) 831-7020.

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