MAGNET launching jobs site; Manufacturing advocate aims to link workers, employers

Northeast Ohio job seekers and companies that need able hands may find themselves sliding closer together starting today, as a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the region's manufacturing climate launches an online employment service.

MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, with offices and training facilities in Cleveland, made its new Web site, www.jobmagnet.org, available to pair metal benders, welders, machinists and assembly workers with employers who need their skills.

Beyond applicants who may have mastered these and other trades, though, people whose skills are in answering telephones, filing documents, writing reports, even sweeping floors can check the new site for jobs.

In fact, professionals in accounting, marketing, management and other administrative fields that manufacturing companies need to fill from time to time can be listed as well. The site also will draw from job listings in other media.

"We intend this to be a one-stop way for anyone with an interest in working in manufacturing to connect with companies that actually have jobs available right now," said Judith Crocker, the organization's director of education and training.

The Web site grew out of the realization that Crocker and others at MAGNET had that the conventional notion of a dearth of decent manufacturing jobs here simply isn't true. She said that at any time, as many as 1,500 jobs may be available. "But employers just aren't connecting with the people who can do or want to do this kind of work."

She and her colleagues think that the disconnect results from a lack of awareness among many job seekers about the breadth and nature of manufacturing jobs and opportunities for them.

"Lots of people, we're finding, just don't think manufacturing is the field they want to be in," she said. Crocker - an educator herself - and her staff have been developing ways to influence people to consider manufacturing careers.

"We want to influence kids as young as middle school that there are satisfying and well-paying jobs in these fields today. We don't think that's too young for them to receive this message."

The organization's efforts take a more-specific turn in high schools and post-secondary trade-related programs, preparing these students for what Crocker says are fruitful careers by teaching them trades like welding, electrical assembly and repair, mechanical and hydraulic skills and other subjects that connect to local workplaces.

Crocker is convinced, from talking to MAGNET members, including many human-resources and executive personnel of local companies, that willingness and some skills can get many more people working in industrial and manufacturing enterprises.

The 5,000 job opportunities that MAGNET says manufacturing companies here will produce per year through 2012 extend over 16 counties.

For those seeking career changes but who feel their skills don't match today's needs, the Web site steers browsers to numerous educational institutions, including local community colleges and job-training programs, that can help impart sought-after skills.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: fbentayou@plaind.com, 216-999-4116