A Phoenix-based aerospace manufacturer recently faced difficulties filling critical roles in their machine shop, particularly for CNC Swiss Lathe machinists. The company, known for its high production demands and dynamic environment, needed skilled machinists who could keep up with the company’s pace while learning new techniques quickly. Adding to the challenge was the highly competitive nature of recruiting for skilled CNC operators in the area. Like many areas across the United States, recruiting for skilled manufacturing is a challenge due to increased production demand, higher wages, and a gap in skills.
Here’s how a tailored recruitment strategy from Eastridge Workforce Solutions helped address the company’s needs, overcame their challenges, and ultimately, helped grow their business.
The company, specializing in precision manufacturing for the aerospace sector, needed machinists capable of juggling multiple tasks while learning new machining techniques on the fly. The role required someone who could thrive in a fast-moving environment, handle various production demands, and manage shifting priorities. However, finding candidates with the right mix of experience, adaptability, and willingness to work in this fast-paced setting was proving to be a challenge. This is no surprise, considering a nationwide shortage of CNC machinists and operators. In fact, the publication American Machinist called the shortage “among the most concerning talent problems facing the manufacturing sector” going on to call the current labor problem 3 times more severe than the shortages of 10 years ago.
Eastridge approached the recruitment process by focusing not just on technical qualifications but also on personality fit. Mackenzie Christensen, a recruiter at Eastridge, recognized early on that this particular role would require someone who could handle a fast pace and adapt quickly to changing demands. While the manufacturer was open to training machinists without Swiss Lathe experience, they still required candidates with strong lathe backgrounds and the right mindset to succeed in a dynamic environment.
“This was not just about finding someone with the right technical skills,” said Christensen. “We were looking for candidates who could handle the pace and pressure of a fast-moving shop, someone who wanted to learn and be constantly challenged.”
Christensen also highlighted the importance of understanding the client’s work environment and team dynamics. She visited the facility, spending time with the shop manager and employees to get a sense of the day-to-day workflow, and used this information to find candidates who would thrive in that particular environment.
With a deeper understanding of the company's needs, Eastridge was able to place a machinist who had relevant lathe experience and the right personality fit for the fast-paced, high-demand environment. The candidate quickly adapted to the Swiss Lathe, despite not having prior experience, thanks to the hands-on learning and mentoring opportunities provided by the shop.
“Finding someone with the right attitude and eagerness to learn was key,” Christensen explained. “The skill set can often be developed on the job, but if they don’t have the right personality for the work environment, it’s hard for them to succeed.”
The company has since seen strong retention with this hire, as the machinist has quickly become a valued member of the team. This success reinforced the company’s willingness to work with external recruitment partners, knowing that the right approach can yield long-term results.
This case illustrates a growing trend in aerospace and other industrial sectors: the recognition that personality fit and adaptability can be as important as technical skills. Companies looking to fill these essential positions need to be more open to hiring candidates who may not have all the required experience but demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in high-demand roles. By focusing on both skill and cultural fit, smaller aerospace firms can find a pathway forward to compete in a tight labor market and thrive.