Faced with worker shortages, Gallatin Valley manufacturers turn to high schools

“It’s industry knowledge that the skilled labor shortage is a red flag,” Dixon-Foley said. “We’re finding that we’re having a difficult time finding skilled labor in our area.”

For several days in January, students at Park High School learned what it takes to make pet toys.

Over the course of the last week, a pair of employees at West Paw Design https://www.westpawdesign.com/ , a Bozeman-based pet goods company, took over teacher Jamie Isaly’s manufacturing class.

The teaching was part of a larger outreach effort by the Gallatin Valley Manufacturing Partnership, a newly formed coalition of local manufacturers, which hopes to address various industry issues from worker shortages to public perception.

By Lewis Kendall Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/economy/faced-with-worker-shortages-gallatin-valley-manufacturers-turn-to-schools/article_d84ac406-1666-515a-b2df-dcd6b4cc8529.html

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The Gallatin Valley Manufacturing Partnership in Bozeman, Montana is designing a 9-day manufacturing curriculum module to be offered in local high schools throughout the region. The curriculum was developed by a team of manufacturers working with education partners and will be taught by guest instructors from regional manufacturing companies. It includes guest speakers, field trips to local manufacturing companies, and classes offered by Gallatin Community College.

http://www.nextgensectorpartnerships.com/aboutnextgenerationpartnerships/