219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork

The manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We’re joined by Skillwork’s Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they’re transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation.

At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork’s model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time.

Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry’s future.

Listen to find out:

• How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork’s innovative staffing solution for skilled trades
• Skillwork’s “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturing
• Why manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty)
• How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting process
• Why nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled trades
• The critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gaps
• The value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelines
• Examples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gaps
• Underrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right now
• The freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffing 

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “The idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott
• “I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin
• “Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett Elliott

Links & mentions:

• Skillwork, supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled labor
• Copa Cabana, upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patio
• Boy Scouts of America, one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.