Workforce Crisis: How Manufacturers Stop Losing Time and Money to Skills Gaps
This webinar was originally broadcast on May 21, 2025.
Now Available On Demand!
Sponsor: L2L
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Summary
Manufacturing leaders know workforce readiness is critical, with 67% saying talent shortages are already delaying production. Also being harmed? Quality (nearly half of recently surveyed manufacturers saying overly green workforces lead to increased problems) and operations (about three in five manufacturing leaders saying inexperienced workers lead to inefficiency).
Don't blame your workers. The real culprits are fragmented training systems, unprecedented turnover, and companies rolling out high-tech tools without getting worker buy-in first. This isn't just a talent issue, it's a strategic vulnerability threatening operational excellence.
This data-driven session delivers an action plan - actionable intelligence on:
- The hidden disconnect: Why your frontline workers see skills gaps everywhere but in themselves (and what this reveals about your training approach)
- The training fallacy: Why 75% of manufacturing leaders rate their training programs as ineffective, with 57% citing content that's too generic and 47% using outdated methodologies
- The technology readiness gap: How to bridge the divide between today's capabilities and tomorrow's demands without disrupting production
- The retention connection: How continuous development increases workplace confidence (97% agree that upskilling increases workplace confidence) and directly impacts operational performance (97% agree that continuous workforce development is critical for company resilience)
Speakers
Eric Whitley | Senior Manufacturing Solutions Engineer | L2L
Eric Whitley is a distinguished leader in the manufacturing sector with over 30 years of experience driving operational excellence, digital transformation, and strategic improvement across global manufacturing environments. He currently plays a key role at L2L in helping manufacturers bridge the gap between emerging digital technologies and the realities of the factory floor.
Eric’s career has spanned many influential roles, including leading the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiative at Autoliv ASP, a global leader in automotive safety, where his work significantly enhanced equipment reliability and operational efficiency. He also served as an Adjunct Faculty Member at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, contributing to the development of management certification programs and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Based in Northern Utah, Eric shares life with his wife of 35 years. When he’s not consulting or podcasting, you’ll likely find him enjoying his favorite pastime—wading a Western river with a fly rod in his hand.
Jason Bryan | Senior Manager - Plant Operations | Sonoco
With over three decades of experience in the metal packaging industry, Jason Bryan currently serves as a Plant Manager for Sonoco Metal Packaging. Throughout his tenure, which includes leadership roles in plant management, domestic and international project management, and divisional quality, Jason has gained a firsthand understanding of the workforce challenges inherent in a dynamic market.
At Sonoco Metal Packaging, a trusted supplier to well-known brands for their two-piece and three-piece food and aerosol cans, Jason has been at the forefront of implementing strategies to build a resilient and skilled workforce capable of adapting to rapid industry shifts. His experience spearheading initiatives like the L2L implementation underscores his commitment to leveraging innovation, technology and strong leadership to address the "Workforce Crisis".
Jeremie Lieb | Steel Processing Transformation Manager | Worthington Steel
Jeremie Lieb is a proven leader in reliability and maintenance strategy, currently serving as Transformation Manager at Worthington Steel. He has led predictive maintenance and digital transformation initiatives that have reduced reactive maintenance by 37%, and co-authored the NFPA 70B electrical reliability program used company-wide.
With previous leadership roles at Worthington Cylinders and certifications as a Certified Reliability Leader and Maintenance and Reliability Professional, Jeremie brings extensive expertise in smart factory operations, proactive maintenance, and skilled trades development.
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