Attracting Youth and Promoting Gender Inclusion in Manufacturing

How do you attract the next generation of machinists and inspectors?

Here’s a hint: it’s not just about offering more money or better hours.

In this episode, Mike and Kirk are joined by Nush Ahmed, a young quality inspector who’s making waves in the manufacturing world—not just on the shop floor, but online too. She shares what helped her stay in the industry, how leaders can better support young workers, and why shops need to rethink how they show up—physically, culturally, and digitally.

We also dive into what it takes to bring more women into manufacturing—and help them thrive. From mentorship and visibility to updating environments and challenging outdated norms, this episode explores how to build a workplace where everyone feels like they belong.

You’ll hear powerful insights about training, inclusion, curiosity, and how to build a culture that actually grows your people—not just expects them to figure it out.

This is one of our most energizing episodes yet—tune in and see manufacturing through a fresh lens.