Time Ticking to Participate in Sign Manufacturing Day
A shortage of skilled workers is one of the most perplexing—and potentially damaging—issues facing the sign and visual communications industry. Nearly two dozen companies are combatting that issue by joining in Sign Manufacturing Day, Oct. 2.
Held the second Friday of October each year, Sign Manufacturing Day participants open up facilities to high school and college students to learn more about the industry. Last year, more than 1,000 students were able to explore the diverse careers available in the industry.
Already 22 companies are on board, opening up more than 30 locations to students. Students who attended in 2014 were engaged and asked about jobs, internships and job-shadowing possibilities. One location asked students if they considered a career in manufacturing. Prior to the tour, 54 percent said they would consider it; at the end of the day, that number was up to 69 percent.
Sign Manufacturing Day is just one of the ways that ISA is helping to meet the needs of the industry when it comes to finding and keeping workers. ISA launched a new career center, which allows companies to post jobs and view resumes of job seekers. It also includes resources such as videos and the Hiring Our Heroes program, which puts veterans and their spouses to work.
For more information on Sign Manufacturing Day, or the ISA Career Center, contact Alison Kent.
