Boeing scrambles to train newcomers as skilled workers leave

Boeing scrambles to train newcomers as skilled workers leave

Boeing scrambles to train newcomers as skilled workers leave

Figure: The lack of skilled workers at Boeing factories has led to increased safety issues. \File photo

[Ta Kung Pao News]According to the Wall Street Journal: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of senior employees have retired or resigned from Boeing. In order to replenish its workforce, Boeing has conducted large-scale recruitment, but many new employees do not have experience in manufacturing aircraft. US media pointed out that too many new employees in the factory have become one of the reasons for Boeing’s frequent safety problems.

Last year, Boeing hired an average of 800 factory workers a month in the Buget Sound region alone. Although the pace of hiring has slowed down, the company is still hiring hundreds of new employees each month. This has resulted in Boeing’s factories being filled with new employees, many of whom have no experience in manufacturing aircraft. Former foundry worker Holling had always thought that a job at Boeing was out of reach, but he was hired last August. He participated in a three-month training with hundreds of new employees, including cybersecurity experts and former Starbucks trainers, and is now preparing to manufacture Boeing’s new 777X jet.

Unlike making toys, appliances or even cars, making airplanes and airplane parts requires an in-depth understanding of machines. On an airplane assembly line, one person may be responsible for dozens of jobs, each of which must be completed flawlessly. Boeing aircraft accidents have occurred frequently this year, and employees have listed “lack of skilled workers” as their top problem. “We repeatedly hear experienced employees say, ‘We can’t arrange any more new people to train,'” said Lund, head of the quality department of Boeing’s commercial aircraft subsidiary.

About half of Boeing’s more than 30,000 employees, represented by IAMSA Local 751, have fewer than six years of experience. That’s double the number before the pandemic.

source: china