One of the major challenges in the manufacturing industry is the skills gap and the need to attract more individuals, especially young people, to pursue careers in this field. Organizations like IMTS and ASQ emphasize the importance of showcasing the opportunities that a career in manufacturing offers.

The NextGen Global Advocacy Committee addresses the needs of young professionals under 40 or with less than four years of experience through a framework of understanding, engaging, and preparing for leadership. Recognizing that Millennials and Gen Z value inclusivity, networking, and technology integration is crucial for organizations like ASQ to meet these evolving needs and maintain a competitive edge.

The manufacturing industry has a significant labor shortage. We need to attract new talent and upskill our existing workforce, especially by embracing candidates without degrees and leveraging technology for training at scale.

There's increasing doubt about the necessity of a four-year degree due to rising college costs, creating more opportunities for trade professionals with advancing technology and higher pay.

Michelle Bangert interviewed Claire Hopkins, a document control specialist and author of a recent "Speaking of Quality" column for Quality magazine. Claire chairs the American Society for Quality's Next Gen Global Committee, comprising individuals under 40 or new to the quality industry.

Our workforce is undergoing major changes, especially in talent management and retention. Understanding and addressing these shifts will be our next mission.

I often ask quality professionals about their career paths. While I started in natural history collections, I now work in document control in the life sciences industry. Recruitment in the quality industry is challenging due to its presence in various fields, but supporting and engaging young professionals is crucial for the community's future.