Editor’s Note: Download the audio version below.
Welcome to another episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing, a podcast where I interview young people about their journeys in manufacturing, how they intend to influence the industry and what they are looking for from an employer.
For this episode, I welcome Jacob Sanchez, a 25-year-old employee for Industry Solutions and Community Development at igus Inc.
Sanchez is an industry awareness and next generation advocate for skilled trades and manufacturing. With 10-plus years of hands-on experience in manufacturing and automation sectors, he works to revolutionize how manufacturers showcase their companies to the world, and how to generate employee autonomy.
Sanchez also hosts “HOW TO,” a metalworking series on YouTube.
Sanchez aims to create a community of solution driven professionals that want to utilize low cost automation to stay competitive and move ever closer to Industry 4.0 and says his main focus is always on the inclusion of new talent, no matter their backgrounds.
In this episode, Sanchez discusses:
- Where to find kids that are interested in manufacturing (1:08)
- How kids who enjoy manufacturing are getting ignored (3:51)
- Is it an exposure issue or bad companies driving away Gen Z (6:44)
- How a company can get the most out of a career fair (8:15)
- The dangers of portraying the manufacturing industry as “polished” (11:04)
- Going from hating a machine shop class to pursuing manufacturing as a career (13:32)
- The difference between what a student needs and what they can get as they pursue manufacturing (17:42)
- How to communicate with Gen Z through a trade show (19:51)
Please make sure to like and share this episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing. To view previous episodes, visit manufacturing.net. If you are a member of Gen Z and would like to discuss your experience in the manufacturing industry, please get in touch with Nolan Beilstein at [email protected].