Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
40 SMT007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2023 Matties: I'd say Industry 4.0 is more about data collection and the drive to utilize data to improve process. Is that appealing to you? Fiet: I think so; like what Dylan was saying about the fast-paced environment and getting your hands dirty—I want to be a part of that. Matties: Now, if you joined a shop and were the youngest person there by 10 or 15 years, would that be more or less appealing to you? Fiet: It's tricky because you wouldn't have friends your age who understand exactly what you're going through, but there are a lot of opportunities to learn from older generations and be mentored. Matties: How important is a mentor in your work? Fiet: It's critical because there's just so much knowledge to pass down regarding procedures and paperwork; there's just so much to take in. Matties: There's a crisis in manufacturing, especially for the manufacturers that aren't the cool, hip, automated factories. They don't necessarily have resources to flip the switch and become automated. What advice can you give them? Fiet: e more exposure you can get for your company, the more willing someone will be to try it out. Give tours and work in the commu- nity. Talk about the flexibility of work sched- ules. A lot of people want longer workdays with a shorter workweek. ere's also an opportu- nity to discuss realigning the roles in the work- force to allow for more growth opportunities, both laterally and vertically. Matties: Yes, flexibility in scheduling is more critical now. How did the pandemic change the way that Gen Z-ers look at work? Fiet: It changed their perception that your job is not your whole life or the entire defini- tion of who you are. We saw that we could have more time with our families and friends, and as individuals outside the work- place. Matties: In the report 1 , a survey shows that 58% of those famil- iar with manufacturing believe these types of jobs have lim- ited career prospects. However, when asked if they would opt for a manufacturing job with cus- tomized training, and a clear pathway for career progression, eight out of 10 responded, "Yes." So, how important is training? Fiet: I see that as having a mentor for your first year or two on a job, but with balance. You need to do some work yourself, make some decisions on your own, but you want someone who is willing to show you the path and how things work. Paige Fiet with her mentor, Chris Middlebrook.