Lack of Skilled Workers in the US?

[Coito ergo sum]

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6d586922 ... z1gWaviM9L

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6d586922-21f0 ... z1gWbgla3g

rew Greenblatt has been looking for more than a year for three sheet-metal set-up operators to work day, night or weekend shifts.
The president of Marlin Steel Wire Products, a company in Baltimore with 30 employees, Mr Greenblatt says his inability to find qualified workers is hampering his business’s growth. “If I could fill those positions, I could raise our annual revenues from $5m to $7m,” he says.

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6d586922-21f0 ... z1gWbp90j0

He is offering a salary of more than $80,000 with overtime, including health and pension benefits. Yet in spite of extensive advertising, he has had no qualified applicants. He is trying to train some of his unskilled staff but says none has the ability or drive to complete the training.

[Tyrannical]

There used to be a time when companies trained workers. I suppose if you cut off their easy labor supply, they'd have no choice.
I find it difficult to believe that he is unable to train any of his current employees.

[Svartalf]

hmmm... does he have anybody with the requisite skills to begin with?
Plus, training people is hell for productivity, both trainers' and trainee's, which is why so many employers are trolling for already skilled people to hire.

[Tyrannical]

hmmm... does he have anybody with the requisite skills to begin with?
Plus, training people is hell for productivity, both trainers' and trainee's, which is why so many employers are trolling for already skilled people to hire.

I think this is one of those bogus cherry picked stories. What are the requisite skills? Two arms, two legs, >95 IQ, and a little motivation?

[eXcommunicate]

"Sheet metal setup operators." What are the qualifications for these positions? Does it include "5+ years of experience" or other such inanities? CNC certification? What?