The Workforce Newsletter of the Council of Industry
January 9, 2025
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Viking Industries Hosts HR Sub-Council Meeting January 21st. Other Networks May Be in the Works
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The Council of Industry's HR Sub-Council is a group dedicated professionals sharing best practices, and addressing the critical challenges facing the manufacturing sector sector. Attendees are encouraged to bring topics of concern and actively engage in the discussion. Viking Industries will host this quarter's meeting.
The Council of Industry is exploring forming other, similar networks around different professions and areas of interest within our membership. Such areas include but are not limited to: Environment Health and Safety, IT and Cybersecurity, Energy and sustainabiltiy and Artificial Intellgence.
Interested in these areas or others? Contact Johnnieanne Hansen.
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Lean Six Sigma Training:
- Greenbelt Begins February 24
- Greenbelt Info Session January 23
- Yellowbelt Begins March 11
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The Council of Industry is once again partnering with RIT and SUNY to bring our members premier lean six sigma training at a very affordable price.
Lean Six Sigma is quite simply the integration of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, defects (variation) and increase effectiveness and results. Lean focuses on efficiency, and Six Sigma focuses on how effectiveness can lead to faster results. Taken together LSS provides a comprehensive set of methods and tools that enable organizations to improve quality and reduce costs; all for the ultimate goal of continuous value creation for the customer.
Lean Six Sigma originated from the Juran Trilogy; an approach to planning, controlling and improving performance in an organization. The Trilogy utilizes projects to focus on achieving breakthroughs in current levels of performance through design or improvement methods. Breakthroughs do not just happen, they require a systematic change process, one that can be achieved with the “project-by-project” approach. For an organization to continue making breakthroughs and meet the needs of their stakeholders, they must master the skills to plan, control, and improve quality. To do this they must use Yellow Belts, Green Belts, Black Belts, and Master Black Belts who follow the Lean Six Sigma methodology.
To help our members on this journey the Council of Industry has, for the better part of the last 2 decades, partnered with local community colleges the RIT Center for Quality and Applied Statistics (CQAS) and SUNY to deliver Yellow Belt and Greet Belt training in a convenient and cost-effective way. RIT’s project-based training has proven to be transformative for our members and their employees.
This spring we will be partnering to deliver Green Belt remotely on Mondays from February 24 to Monday, June 9. Yellow Belt will be offered on 3 consecutive days - March 11, through March 13 at Dutchess Community College’s convenient Center of Excellence for Industry & Innovation at DCC Fishkill.
Click here for more information on Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt
Click here for more information on Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
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Registration Now Open: In Person Certificate In Manufacturing Leadership Program
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The Council of Industry's Certificate in Manufacturing Leadership program teaches participants a range of leadership skills and provides insights into the business side of manufacturing. Participants who complete the required courses are presented with the Certificate in Manufacturing Leadership by the Council of Industry. All courses are interactive full-day sessions (8:30 am to 4:00 pm) with lunch, scheduled breaks, networking, and group discussions.
The classes will be held at the Center of Excellence for Industry & Innovation at DCC Fishkill. Though participants are encouraged to complete the course series for the most comprehensive supervisory education, the Council welcomes individual course registration as well.
Full Program Cost:
Individual Attendee: $1,975
Two or More Attendees: $1,875
Class Schedule:
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March 5th and 12th
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Fundamentals of Leadership (2 sessions)
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March 26th
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Human Resources Management Issues
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April 9th
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Best Practices & Continuous Improvement
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April 30th
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Effective Business Communication
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May 7th
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Making a Profit in Manufacturing
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May 21st
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Problem Solving & Decision Making
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June 4th
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Risk Management Environmental Health & Safety Essentials
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June 11th
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Motivation, Coaching, and Managing Difficult People
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To register or learn more about the spring session: Click Here
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Attention Associate Members: Share Your Expertise in the Council of Industry's New ‘Insight Exchange’ Series
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The Council of Industry is thrilled to announce the launch of the Insight Exchange, a new video presentation series designed to provide manufacturers with expert insights and actionable strategies—all on demand. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to offer flexible, valuable resources to the manufacturing community, ensuring members can access critical information when it’s most convenient.
The series will feature subject matter experts from our Associate Members, sharing their knowledge on topics ranging from workforce development and operational efficiency to emerging technologies and regulatory compliance.
Associate Members who are interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise are encouraged to reach out to Johnnieanne Hansen at info@councilofindustry.org.
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BOOK YOUR AD TODAY IN THE
SPRING 2025 EDITION OF
HV MFG
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Council Teams Up With ASME and SUNY New Paltz For Engineers Week Event February 19th
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The Council of Industry, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and SUNY New Paltz’ School of Science and Engineering will be teaming up on an National Engineers Week event February 19th at SUNY New Paltz. The event will run from 4:30 – 7:30.
While program details are still being worked out they will include: tours of facilities including labs and the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (3D Printing), Networking between students, faculty and industry professionals, and a panel discussion highlighting manufacturing engineering careers. A light dinner will be served.
Save your spot at the Engineers Week dinner
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New York State Legislative Session Kicked off Yesterday, Manufacturing Advocacy Day Set for February 26th
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The New York State Legislature has unveiled the 2025 Session Calendar and it can be viewed here. The first day of the 2025 Legislative Session was Wednesday, January 8th and the last day of session is scheduled for Thursday, June 12th. The Manufacturing Alliance of New York with hold its annual Advocacy Day February 26th in Albany. The day will include meetings with key legislators and administration officials on issues of concern to the State’s manufactures.
Those issues of concern include ‘Tax Parity’ (the elimination of the corporate franchise tax for pass-through manufacturing entities). Smart implementation of the CLCPA and other energy related regulations and legislation including the NY HEAT act. And the continued support of manufacturing workforce development efforts including the Manufacturing Intermediary Apprentice Program (MIAP) and P-TECH schools.
Save your spot at Advocacy Day
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Upskill Your Workforce With Manufacturing Apprentice Program CNC Machinist Trade
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Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. CNC machinists must be able to use both manual and CNC machinery. CNC machines control the cutting tool speed and do all necessary cuts to create a part. The machinist determines the cutting path, the speed of the cut, and the feed rate by programming instructions into the CNC machine.
Work Processes (Skills learned on the Job) Approximate Hours for CNC Machinist:
- Foundations of Machining: 2,000 hours
- Principles of CNC Machining: 250 hours
- General Operation CNC Mills/Lathes / Millturns / Grinders: 1,250 hours
- Supervised Setup Mills / Lathes / Millturns / Grinders: 1,500 hours
- CNC Setup and Operate CNC Mills / Lathes / Millturns / Grinders: 2,000 hours
- Writing Basic Programs: 1,000 hours
- Total Hours: 8,000
Minimum of 144 Hours of Related Instruction (Classroom Learning) Required for Each Apprentice for Each Year:
- Safety
- Blueprint Reading and Drawing
- Mathematics
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- Trade Theory and Science
- NC/CNC Programming
- Computer Software
- Communications
If you want to know more about this trade and if it might be right you’re your company contact Johnnieanne Hansen
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Subscribers to the Manufacturing Career Hub can view candidate resumes and contact information by searching the Candidate ID Number in the iCIMS platform.
Not yet a participant of the Career Hub? Contact Johnnieanne Hansen directly for additional candidate details or to learn more about the recruiting initiative.
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Candidate ID: 33913
Position Interest: UX Designer | Product Designer
Level: Mid-Level
Skills: Figma/Adobe CC, Prototyping & Wireframing, User Research & Interviews, Information Architecture, Data Analysis, Project Management, Web Accessibility, Standards (WCAG), A/B Testing, Responsive Design
Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Minor in Cybersecurity
Availability: Open to Interviews
Location/Commute: Resides in Wallkill, NY.
Summary: A UX Designer and Product Designer with experience in mobile and web applications as well as customer service, specializing in user research, prototyping, and user-centered design. Notable projects include designing mobile onboarding flows for a healthcare startup and optimizing web experiences to drive engagement. Proficient in Figma, Adobe CC, and responsive design, with a strong foundation in web accessibility and analytical thinking.
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Candidate ID: 34252
Position Interest: Summer Internship in IT/Computer Science
Level: Mid-Level
Skills: Languages: Python, Java, Kotlin, JavascriptTechnologies: Git, Node.js, React, SQL/NoSQL (MySQL, MongoDB, Weaviate), Azure, Docker, HTML/CSS
Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Expected June 2027)
Availability: Open to Interviews. Available to begin work after June 16th.
Location/Commute: Resides in Fishkill, NY. Open to up to an hour commute.
Summary: A Stanford University Computer Science student seeking a Summer 2025 internship in IT or computer science. Skilled in app and website development, as well as building scalable AI and software solutions. Proficient in Python, Java, JavaScript, and cloud technologies like Azure and Docker. Experienced in leading teams, optimizing workflows, and delivering award-winning projects, including web and mobile applications. Thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about solving real-world challenges through technology.
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Candidate ID: 32742
Position Interest: Corporate Communications Associate
Level:
Skills: Microsoft Office and, Proficient in operating both PC and Mac platforms.
Education: Masters of Science, Intergated Marketing Communications,Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
Availability: Open to Interviews
Location/Commute: Resides in Fishkill, NY.Open to commuting within a 40-50 mile radius, searching for hybrid roles
Summary: Results-driven Integrated Marketing Communications professional with expertise in developing and executing end-to-end communication plans. Skilled in employee engagement, global collaboration, and content creation, with a strong executive presence. Proficient in internal and external communications, including verbal, written, and social media strategies. Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and experienced in managing projects within fast-paced environments. Adept at working with global teams and senior executives to deliver impactful messaging and drive engagement.
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News for HR and Workforce Professionals
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7 Ways HR Will Look Different In 2025
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The workplace is at an inflection point. Rapid advancements in AI, intensifying polarization, eroding employee perks and protections, and shifting employee expectations are transforming the role of HR in unprecedented ways. These trends demand bold, strategic responses from HR leaders who must balance technological adoption with human-centered leadership, global instability, and increasing demands to do more with less.
So, what will the HR landscape look like in 2025? From redefining job roles in the age of AI to reimagining the workplace, HR leaders are navigating uncharted territory. The future demands agility, and HR is again at the helm of this change. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this first year of broad AI adoption: The choices made today will define the talent landscape for a generation.
Read More at Fast Company
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How Adopting A Coaching Mindset Can Benefit Leaders
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Coaching, as defined by Adam Grant, involves “helping people reveal their potential and overcome challenges.” Whether we think of a sports coach, career coach or life coach, the common thread is uncovering and fostering potential. For leaders, adopting a coaching mindset shifts the focus from simply providing answers to empowering others to grow holistically. The most effective coaches across business, sports, and personal development share a common approach: they focus on developing the individual. Instead of merely providing answers or solutions, they aim to build a toolkit for long-term growth. This process begins with trust — a foundation that allows the coach to connect deeply and authentically.
A coaching mindset also requires leaders to put aside their own biases and judgments to focus entirely on developing their teams. While this overlaps with servant leadership, which emphasizes supporting others’ growth, coaching is distinct in its tools and techniques. It centers on helping individuals think critically, uncover insights, and achieve their full potential — not through direct instruction but by empowering self-discovery. Coaching is not about teaching or transferring knowledge. Instead, it’s about challenging others to evaluate options, identify barriers and uncover insights — both literal and emotional. Leaders accustomed to delegating or sharing best practices might find that shifting focus from outcomes to relationships reveals untapped potential within their teams.
Read more at Smart Brief
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Final Rule To Overhaul H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements Takes Effect Jan. 17
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule on Dec. 18, 2024, updating H-1B visa eligibility requirements and other changes it said would give employers greater flexibility in employing skilled foreign workers. DHS’ rule follows up on a 2023 proposed rule that sought to “modernize” the H-1B program. Specifically, last month’s rule revises the definition of “specialty occupation” to clarify that while sponsoring employers may accept a range of qualifying degree fields when considering candidates for such occupations, the fields must be directly related to a job’s duties in order to meet the specialty occupation requirement.
Other changes include updated definitions for the nonprofit and governmental research organization categories, through which DHS would expand visa cap exemption eligibility for some petitions in these categories. Another set of updates clarifies requirements for visa petitioners. The rule is set to take effect Jan. 17.
Read more at Manufacturing Dive
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Banish Loneliness By Creating An Engaging Work Culture
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In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory flagging the significant public health challenges caused by the lack of social connection across our communities. Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workforce found that 20% of the world’s employees experience loneliness every day. 2024 Research by TheLi.st, Berlin Cameron and the Benenson Strategy Group found that 86% of white-collar workers under age 35 have felt lonely or isolated in the workplace during the past month. For white-collar workers over age 35, the response was 76% feeling lonely or isolated.
Not all workplaces create loneliness, isolation and disrespect. Check out the list of certified “Great Places to Work” companies. These organizations sustain work cultures that are purposeful, positive and productive — and employees love working for those companies. Senior leaders at these companies do not leave the quality of their work culture to chance. They invest time, energy and passion to set the standard that respect is as important as results — and they measure, monitor and mentor to ensure that standard is reached daily.
Read more at Smart Brief
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Coaching Young Employees: Strategies For Leaders
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Training your youngest team members isn’t about responding to vague generalizations, like “catering to shorter attention spans” or “incentivizing with gamification.” To coach any generation, from youngest to oldest, lead with acceptance, understanding, and a culture of feedback that goes both ways. Select the Right Candidates, learn to spot missionaries and mercenaries.
Co-Create Your Training Programs to bring the best out of each and every employee. Give Feedback Employees Love to Get. Be honest and direct and to give genuine feedback that’s about helping, not putting them down. Set the right example and don’t become that boss you hated. “Do unto others” is just about the oldest rule in the book, but it definitely applies to being a great leader and mentor. When people see someone lead by example, they think “this is the type of person I want to become,” and start working toward that.
Read more at Forbes
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National Safety Council: Progress on Preventing MSD Injuries
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On December 28, The National Safety Council released the 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report, which revealed progress in addressing one of the most pervasive workplace injuries: musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. Findings from the report revealed improvements in several key areas, including greater use of ergonomics programs, more organizations taking a proactive approach toward prevention, and increased collaboration across industries to share effective solutions. Key takeaways included:
- Higher overall results: 81.4% of organizations achieved overall ratings in the advancing or proactive categories, with 11.6% reaching the innovating category.
- Enhanced use of ergonomics programs: Nearly 89% of respondents have some form of MSD prevention and ergonomics program, which is up from about 83% last year.
- Broader employee involvement in safety decisions: Nearly 68% of respondents engage frontline workers in safety-related decision-making, with employees regularly consulting on workstation design, job tasks and workflow.
- Increased reporting of common MSD risk factors: Awkward postures, lifting and prolonged sitting and standing were among the top risk factors cited, with low back pain emerging as the most common MSD-related ailment — reported by 77.3% of respondents, in comparison to only 57.7% last year.
Read more at EHS Today
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How Can We Close the Skills Gap? A High School Shop Teacher Has Ideas.
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In manufacturing, if you ask “why” something failed enough times, you usually find out a person or process was wrong or out of place. That is the current state of vocational education in America. I have been a shop teacher for 14 years, and the reason I received my first job as a middle-school shop teacher is because nobody else applied. As a certified agriculture instructor, I shouldn't have received the phone call.
Over the last several years, I have been trying to make changes to our educational system to help close the skills gap. I believe the skills gap is a direct result of the shortage of quality shop teachers. I use the term “shop” because we need old-school, wrench-turning, woodworking and welding classes back in our schools. These programs have been phased out as teachers retired and been replaced with agriculture or CAD/engineering classes, if they were replaced at all. Now, I am not discounting the need for those two subjects, but to be clear, as someone who is certified to teach both, there is no substitute for kids getting dirty while in school.
Read more at Industry Week
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5 Ways HR Leaders Can Hire With Purpose In 2025
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This year marked a significant shift in how HR professionals and business leaders worked together to bring in new talent. A boom in AI and a gradual swing toward skills-based hiring means that the C-suite is increasingly looking to HR professionals for their guidance and that talent professionals are on the front lines, driving change in their organization. Based on conversations with over 400 talent professionals, Korn Ferry research uncovered the factors that are of greatest concern to how talent professionals view their job. Instead of perfection, HR professionals and business leaders are embracing progression and adaptability—incorporating calculated risk and taking intentional actions to respond to the trends dominating recruitment.
Notably, Korn Ferry’s research found that nearly two-thirds of talent professionals believe AI will play a major role in their strategies for the coming year, while 39% of talent leaders recognize the need for skills-based hiring. But as companies struggled to implement these new technologies and hiring strategies, progress often took a back seat to the pursuit of perfection. Here are 5 considerations as HR builds hiring strategies for 2025
Read more at Benefits Pro
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iCIMS November and 2024 Labor Market Insights
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Activity across all three iCIMS platform indicators decreased in November. While this reflects a typical seasonal slowdown, the 20% drop in hires in just one month seemed a little *extra*. Employers’ continued hesitation to commit to hires and/or layoffs over the last few months has been called “The Great Pause” by media. iCIMS job openings in November dropped 14% month over month. Despite an 8% dip in activity from the previous month, November’s application volume was hot-to-go, up 36% year on year.
- According to the internet, Tuesday is the best day to book a flight, go out to eat and get a two -for -one deal on a movie ticket. But as per iCIMS data, it’s also the most popular day of the week for job seekers to submit applications and employers to open jobs and make offers.
- Stability and opportunities for growth in their career are now the biggest drivers in application decisions for graduates.
- CHROs see the role of the recruiter evolving from a tactical hiring function to a strategic talent advisor, in charge of aligning workforce planning and strategy with broader business objectives. 56% of HR leaders spend more time in their role on talent acquisition today than they did two years ago.
Read the Report
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Manufacturing Matters Podcast
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Tom reflects on his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a prominent voice for manufacturing and community development in the Hudson Valley. He shares how his family's business connections with local manufacturers inspired his advocacy for workforce and economic development during critical moments. Tom discusses his role in fostering collaboration among business leaders, educators, and community organizations to rebuild and diversify the region's economy. He addresses everything from the skills gap and workforce challenges in manufacturing to the evolution of his radio show.
All of this circles back to Tom being dedicated to building community awareness around manufacturing, education, and economic development. The conversation also delves into the importance of lifelong learning, the integration of educational institutions like SUNY New Paltz with local industries, and the enduring need for manufacturing resilience in America.
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