Working with a solid company, very employee oriented, really GREAT benefits package, regular salary reviews, etc., in central Alabama. We’ve been looking for a Tool & Die/Mold Maker for a 2nd shift position for SIX MONTHS !

Many of us have either bolstered our education and moved into engineering/ management positions or have left the trade due to the shift of manufacturing demand in the US. The shift is coming back. The trend you have experienced in the last six months is going to get worse. We need to start working with the trade schools and reinvent apprenticeships. In my opinion, apprenticeships should include training that also focuses on global operations. For instance, working remotely (the importance of computer networking), understanding true cost reduction (not cutbacks) and cross-cultural relationships. These are not typical topics for most blue collar workers. I hold the mold making trade near to my heart. I did some research on this topic and wrote a paper about changing apprenticeships. Good luck in your search!

Hello Pam, I don't know about Alabama, but on the west coast it seems like
I get a couple of calls a month for out of work mold makers looking for work. The business environment in California seems to have a lot of companies closing or moving out of state. I agree with John there needs to be more attention given to trade schools so there will be another generation of manufacturers coming up. It almost seems that the moldmaking and manufacturing is not exciting enough for kids these days. With the newer technology and faster machining capabilities I think it is more exciting then ever. I,ve been in the trade 29 years and have had my shop for 20 of those, this is the toughest I've seen it. Best of luck in your search.

As a mold maker, designer and engineer in the business since the seventies, I can tell you that most of my former co-workers became discouraged with the business many years ago when it became obvious that the future was elsewhere. Why would guys stay, when wages and job opportunities continue to decline year after year? The race to the bottom of the financial barrel has taken its toll, and our trade has fled our shores for brighter prospects in Asia. American business has cannibalized itself for short term gains, but now has no future because it has eaten it young.

it,s Alabama!

Thanks for the response John - I've been doing this a long time and can't remember EVER having such a hard time finding tool & die makers, process techs, etc. However, I will admit that even engineers are hard to come by right now.

Exactly. This demanding profession has nothing to offer to young people and the older one has retired most of the school are closed and the most of the work is shifted to east asia. This problem is not exclusive american but worldwide problem. One day the asian mold maker will be very expensive and we wont have any alternative. Im a young moldmaker 15 years in the profession the last year im shifting more to mechanical engeneering due to lack of work