There are three jobs open at Rodon Group, a plastic parts manufacturer near Philadelphia. But despite the reports of a shortage of skilled workers nationwide, CEO Michael Araten isn't sweating it. Rodon works with local community colleges to make sure students — the firm's prospective employees — get the skills they need to work at the company making plastic parts for products such as bed frames and machinery. Anyone using its manufacturing equipment needs to have math and computer skills. "We're willing to look at non-traditional methods," Araten says.

Small businesses partner with schools to find skilled workers

There are three jobs open at Rodon Group, a plastic parts manufacturer near Philadelphia. But despite the reports of a shortage of skilled workers nationwide, CEO Michael Araten isn’t sweating it. Rodon works with local community colleges to make sure students — the firm’s prospective employees — get the skills they need to work at the company making plastic parts for products such as bed frames and machinery. Anyone using its manufacturing equipment needs to have math and computer skills. “We’re willing to look at non-traditional methods,” Araten says. Companies across the country have been working short-handed because it’s hard to find workers with the skills they need.


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