While label converters and suppliers are tasked with strenuous demand on a daily basis, the industry continues to keep its eyes on the workforce of tomorrow. Fostering the next generation of employees has been a key topic at major industry events and small open houses alike. And for good reason.

Finding the next press operator or quality assurance specialist is no easy task – and most manufacturing companies grapple with this issue. Leading organizations have explored this issue head on, starting with the FLAG Annual Members Meeting and several weeks later at TLMI’s Label Leaders of Tomorrow (LLT) Excursion at Domino.

FLAG president JC McKay and LPC, Inc.’s Jackie Kuehlmann delved into digital marketing, addressing how the latest capabilities can help drive business and grow an organization. FLAG also offers resources to help its members deal with business challenges – workforce included.

TLMI’s LLT has been established to deliver leadership skills and industry education to prospective decision-makers in labels and packaging – regardless of age. Workforce development, which has been a key factor in the launch of LLT, has long been a core focus of TLMI. The association awards over $30,000 in scholarships annually, and the member employee scholarship is still open.

“LLT exists for emerging leaders within TLMI member organizations to learn more about the industry and gain professional development skills,” explained Ginnie Gandy of Channeled Resources Group. “This is an opportunity for us to gather and learn, network, and grow together.”

“This is an event we’re going to continue to host on an annual basis,” added Domino’s Mike Barry. “We encourage members to head to LinkedIn and the TLMI Community page to learn more and share ideas.”
Industry events and keynote presentations are a great first step, but leadership and growth must also come from within an organization. In this month’s profile (page 44), L&NW caught up with Abbott Label’s John Abbott, who emphasized the role he plays in cultivating the label printers of the future.

“We’ll have what I call file cabinet meetings, where I’ll stand there at the file cabinet to hold a meeting to teach people,” explains Abbott. “I went out back in production just the other day and shut down production on first and second shift for 30 minutes, which I can promise you cost me a lot of money. But it was important to work with my team and go over processes and procedures. It’s all about trying to teach people and teach the younger generation, serving as a role model and a mentor for them. That’s what drives our passion for this business.”

The workforce challenge is one that must be approached from all angles. With more trade schools closing down, the issue only looms larger. Therefore, the efforts being made at industry events and inside leading converter and supplier facilities are invaluable ones.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]