OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — Finding enough people to fill manufacturing jobs remains an ongoing challenge for companies around Wisconsin and beyond. At a time when an influx of older workers are retiring, manufacturing companies across the state are looking to younger workers to help fill the gap. 

Oconomowoc-based Sentry Equipment is among those taking a proactive approach. The century-old company, which makes components to support power generation, wastewater treatment, and other industries, is working to ensure that staffing will remain strong even as baby boomer employees retire. 

Mikaela Gitto is Sentry Equipment’s human resources director. She said finding opportunities to reach out to potential employees early can go a long way. 

“We have been talking about the manufacturing skills gap for some time now, so it certainly is something a lot of manufacturing companies are aware of,” said Gitto. “I think everyone is trying to do what they can to be proactive. It is about finding programs that work and resonate with the next generation.” 

Sentry is involved in numerous programs designed to get younger people interested in manufacturing careers. Each year, the company hosts a Manufacturing Day, welcoming high school and college students to the facility to learn about what modern manufacturing looks like. In addition, Sentry partners with Waukesha-based GPS Education Partners, a program where area students can learn job skills working in facilities like Sentry while still attending school. 

“Typically, they (students involved in the program) start their internships when they are sophomores or juniors and then they get the opportunity when they are here at Sentry to rotate through a few different departments to get exposure, understand what their life would look like if they pursued a career in welding versus machining,” said Gitto. 

Being able to have a fully staffed manufacturing facility impacts all aspects of the business. Kelly O’Shea is Sentry’s Supply Chain Supervisor. O’Shea said it is very important. 

“What we do is constantly changing, so we need to make sure we have people who are willing to grow and learn and committed to working here to make sure everything does get done and gets to the right place on time,” said O’Shea. 

Sentry Equipment CEO Brian Baker said participating in recruitment programs is worth the time and effort. He said it has helped to bring the company closer to full staffing than some other manufacturing companies can. 

Now, Baker said it is important to make clear to a new generation of employees that their work matters. 

“All the things we count on, flipping the light switch and the light goes on, going to a gas station and you have clean gas that powers your car, flushing a toilet and the waste goes away and you never see it again. That has everything to do with our services and equipment and we want every day our employees to know when we come in. They are not just working on a machine, not just doing a service, they are making the world better,” said Baker. 

To learn more about job opportunities with Sentry Equipment, you can visit their hiring website.