WAUKESHA, Wis. – A 100-year-old manufacturer is recruiting a new generation.
Seth Godin started working at Sentry Equipment in Oconomowoc three years ago while still in high school. That’s not what many people are looking for, he said.
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“I guess people today don’t like to get their hands dirty,” he says.
On Friday, Godin helped Waukesha County middle school and high school bus passengers get excited about careers during Sentry Equipment’s “Manufacturing Day.”
Sentry Equipment Corp. “Manufacture Day”
Marcease Warren is president of the company’s manufacturing division. He said the 100-year-old company remains competitive by appealing to Gen Z with incentives such as a four-and-a-half day work week.
“It’s a mixed bag,” Warren said of hiring new employees. “Really, it depends on the role we are recruiting for.”
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Haley Kiedrowski, a 16-year-old engineering student, often feels isolated in her career. “I feel like there isn’t a lot of exposure for women. It’s more of a male-dominated career.”
According to the 2022 U.S. Census report, 68% of manufacturing jobs in this country are held by men. Sentry Equipment is also reaching out to potential employees in Milwaukee County. Leaders are considering carpools and other transportation options to get workers west.
Sentry Equipment Corp. “Manufacture Day”
It is hoped that Friday’s experience will show the next generation that these jobs are within reach.
“We want to change that paradigm and show that there are really good opportunities in manufacturing,” Warren said.
“One thing I can tell you is that there is money involved in the deal,” Godin said.