Why can’t I find skilled workers?

One reason is because youth are not being provided with up-to-date career guidance and the corresponding course work to achieve desired career outcomes. Another is that manufacturing in the United States is becoming more high-tech and skill-based as the more repetitive, less-skilled work is moving abroad. In addition, baby boomers with years of experience are retiring, while younger people are bypassing factory jobs, viewing them as repetitive, dirty and without much opportunity, a view that hasn't been helped by all the factory closings and headlines about manufacturing jobs moving to China. These factors have combined to create a serious worker shortage.

What are the basic activities of the SVAM?

Essentially, we determine what specific skills are needed by our manufacturer members, deploy a system through which job applicants can be identified and trained, and distribute information about 21st century manufacturing and the workforce crisis.

How can the SVAM help me find qualified workers?

At SVAM, we have developed a system through which our member manufacturing companies can locate individuals to fit specific job vacancies. If your company chooses to become a member, we will work with you – one on one – to determine what specific vacancies you have. We then help you locate potential workers to meet those needs and then train those individuals to meet your need. A bonus is that we provide reimbursement money to companies and educational entities that participate in our programs. For example, Kennametal, a producer of mining and agricultural equipment in Chilhowie, Va., has received a check to pay for strengthening its workforce through training. And the Washington County Skill Center also received payment through Dream It. Do It. for its machining and welding programs. During 2006-2007, we worked with manufacturers in Smyth and Washington counties, drawing from more than $450,000 in reimbursement money to provide skills training to job applicants who sought employment in manufacturing. The training was provided through several educational partners, including the Virginia Highlands and Wytheville community colleges.

What is Dream It. Do It. Southwest Virginia?

Dream It. Do It. Southwest Virginia is an affiliate of a national program developed by The Manufacturing Institute and National Association of Manufacturers that supports our organizational goals. The purpose of Dream It. Do It. is to match up young people ages 18 through 26 with appropriate skills training for filling manufacturing job vacancies in our region.

How does SVAM work?

We have developed a three-phase system that matches up job seekers with our member companies. Through SVAM media advertising and informational materials, job seekers learn about our pre-employment assessments, which are offered through school systems, community colleges and technical schools in Southwest Virginia counties. Applicants who take this assessment get matched for job interviews with SVAM member companies. If the applicants are judged suitable for hire by the companies, the applicants will then be eligible to receive appropriate skills training funded through SVAM.

How can I find out more SVAM membership?

Contact Mr. Bruce Kravitz, the CEO of SVAM, at 276-492-2100. Or if you want to become a member immediately, simply fill in the interactive form located at the “How to Join” button on this website.

If the jobs are more high-tech, won’t I need more than a high school education?

Actually, only about 20 percent of jobs require a four-year college degree, while more than 50 percent need someone with either an associate degree or some kind of specialized training. If you have a high school diploma, then you already have a leg up. One of the reasons SVAM exists is to bridge high school and community college graduates to Southwest Virginia manufacturers that seek qualified workers.

Aren’t manufacturing jobs considered boring and even dangerous?

Although manufacturing jobs were once associated with low wages and dirty, dimly lit assembly lines, innovation and technology in manufacturing machinery have led to safer, more interesting work environments. Manufacturers in Southwest Virginia offer career opportunities with high wages and benefits, clean plants and bright, safe work environments.

How can the SVAM help me find a job?

The SVAM has partnered with a national program called Dream It. Do It. If you participate in the program, you can find out what manufacturing jobs are available, if you are suited for manufacturing jobs, and how you can receive training to meet the demands of any given position. Dream It. Do It. matches up young people ages 18 through 26 with appropriate skills training to fill manufacturing job vacancies in your region.

What steps do I need to take to get involved with SVAM and Dream It. Do It?

You can contact Mr. Bruce Kravitz, the CEO of SVAM, at 276-492-2100, or simply go to the Dream It. Do It. Southwest Virginia link found at the tool bar above. You will find a wealth of information at this site, including a Career Toolkit that will help you figure out in which sector of manufacturing you might fit best. Locally, you can also take a pre-employment assessment offered through several community colleges and technical schools in or near your county. This assessment is a four-hour session that involves applied math, locating information and reading for information. You will then be matched with industry members of the SVAM for employment interviews and training.