Survey finds growing demand for Maine manufacturing workers
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There are more than 850 job openings at manufacturers around the state, the Manufacturers Association of Maine reports.
MAME’s survey of members showed that 39 companies are actively looking for help. On average, the jobs pay $49,300 a year. The positions, 866 in all, cover the gamut, and are not necessarily on the plant floor. Manufacturers also need help in sales, customer service, administration and accounting.
The survey responses were a far cry from those of December 2013, when 37 respondents reported 238 job openings, at an average wage of $46,000.
MAME released the findings in advance of its annual conference, slated for June 4, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. The theme of the conference is, “Make it in America. Make it in Maine.” Breakout sessions will focus on the industry’s top three “issues and challenges,” as well as solutions. About 250 people are expected to attend. MAME has 288 member companies, split between 182 in industry and 106 in service.
Part of the MAME’s focus has been to get the word out to younger people in Maine that there are good jobs to be had in Maine. It has a “Dream it, do it,” program to educate school officials, parents and students about the possibilities.
“There’s this refrain, ‘There are no jobs in Maine,’” said Derek Volk, a third-generation operator of a packaging supply company, Volk Packaging Corp., in Biddeford.
Of Volk’s 85 employees, the average age is 46.5 years, and at least 40% of his workforce is slated to retire in the next decade. “We need young people to have an interest in manufacturing,” he said.
Volk, who is vice chairman of the MAME board, will also serve as emcee at the association’s conference. For more information about the conference visit www.mainemfg.com.
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