The Welding Passion: Mark Fisher's Journey Through the Skilled Trades
In today's episode, we dive into the world of welding with Mark Fisher, a 20-year veteran from Lincoln Electric. Discover the true passion, skill, and innovation that drive this pivotal trade, and learn why the future of manufacturing depends on it.
Mark Fisher is an expert in the automotive industry, where his knowledge and experience have underscored the critical importance of minimizing downtime, often calculated in tens of thousands of dollars per minute. He understands that maintaining continuous production is not just a matter of efficiency, but also of significant financial impact.
Follow Mark Fisher
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-f-7b9bb3a8/
Mark recognizes that many issues in the industry can be self-induced, often stemming from simple factors such as inadequate training or a lack of skilled personnel. This insight drives his passion for promoting and increasing the number of people pursuing careers in skilled trades. He is dedicated to addressing the industry’s ongoing challenge of gradual workforce turnover and attrition, continually advocating for better training and recruitment to sustain and improve the sector.
00:00 Celebrating the importance of blue collar workers.
03:42 Automotive industry requires skilled trades and training.
06:36 Foreign manufacturing uses people, US uses cobots.
12:00 Transitioned from management to welding at Lincoln.
15:21 Differently qualified individuals fostered from an early age.
18:44 Growing interest in trade school over college.
19:55 Personal impact, infrastructure issues, world's specific directions.
25:45 Explore local welding education, find top talent.
26:36 Guidance essential for entering trade profession effectively.
31:10 Success from relationships and teamwork in Cleveland.
35:52 Supporting product, transferring knowledge, building relationships.
38:10 AWS welding Journal, industry trade shows, LinkedIn, Google.
40:43 Highlighting importance of skilled trades, promoting podcast.
Introduction
- Podcast name: Lost Art of The Skilled Trades
- Episode title: Mark Fisher.mp3
- Speakers: Andrew Brown (Host), Mark Fisher (Guest)
Emphasizing Passion and Skill in Skilled Trades
- Importance of passion and skill in trades like welding
- Building relationships for success
- Focus on the unsung heroes of the economy
Mark Fisher's Background at Lincoln Electric
- 20 years of experience in welding
- Dedicated and passionate problem-solving in the industry
Challenges in the Skilled Trades
- Issues faced by large corporations (e.g., automotive industry)
- Training challenges
- Employee turnover
- Skill shortages
Addressing the Shortage of Welders
- Need to attract young people to the trades
- Impact of technological advancements on welding
Role of Robotics in Welding
- Benefits and limitations of robots
- Need for human expertise in unconventional welding tasks
Successful Projects and Customer Conversations
- Communication issue resolution in California
- Six-month project in Kentucky
- Collaboration with smart individuals and teams
Technological Advancements in Welding
- Robotics and lights-out automation
Career Goals and Industry Trends
- Knowledge transfer
- Self-improvement
- Staying current with resources like industry magazines, trade shows, and LinkedIn
Advocacy for the Skilled Trades
- Encouraging young people to pursue opportunities in trades
- Supporting the industry
Recommendations for Getting Started in Welding
- Local community colleges or vocational schools
- Flow chart approach to finding trade schools and organizations
- Importance of learning from different experiences and failing fast
Skills Needed for Success
- Technical skills
- Soft skills
Career Paths and Flexibility in the Welding Industry
- Beyond just welding
- Case study of career-switching
Integration of Welding into Different Industries
- Opportunities within Lincoln Electric
- Company culture and values
Comparison of Mindsets Towards Trades Internationally
- US school system's lack of emphasis on trades
- Improved career guidance in other countries
Consumerism in the US vs. Other Countries
- Higher interest in buying rather than building in the US
- Financial ability differences influencing trade interest
Future of Manufacturing in the US
- Concerns about the lack of personnel for essential item maintenance
- Growing interest in trade schools as viable career options
Importance of Skilled Trades in Infrastructure and Manufacturing
- Preparation for the future
- Regional training programs aligning with job needs
Wages and Recognition in the Trades
- Differing perspectives on effort and rewards
Guidance and Clear Pathways for Young People
- Clear steps and advice for entering the welding trade
- Parental guidance in supporting trade career paths
1. **Passion and Skill in Trades**: Mark Fisher emphasizes the importance of passion and skill in the welding trade. Why do you think these attributes are particularly crucial in this field, and how can they be fostered in young people considering a career in welding?
2. **Building Relationships**: How do you think building strong relationships contributes to success in the skilled trades, based on Mark Fisher's experiences? Can you share an example from your own life or industry where a strong relationship made a significant difference?
3. **Training and Skill Shortages**: What are some specific strategies that could be implemented to address the training and skill shortages in the welding industry? How could these strategies be applied to other skilled trades?
4. **Technological Advancements**: Fisher talks about the impact of robotics and automation on the welding industry. In your opinion, what are the benefits and limitations of integrating such technologies in skilled trades?
5. **Career Exploration in Trades**: The episode highlights the need for better career exploration and guidance for young people interested in trades. What steps can schools and communities take to improve awareness and support for these career paths?
6. **Consumerism vs. Building**: Fisher discusses the difference in consumer behavior between the US and other countries. Why do you think more people in the US are interested in buying rather than building, and what cultural shifts might change this perspective?
7. **Wages and Recognition**: How do you perceive the current state of wages and recognition in the skilled trades? What changes do you think are necessary to improve the perception and reality of careers in these fields?
8. **Career Flexibility**: Mark Fisher mentions the varied career paths available in the welding industry beyond just welding. Can you think of other skilled trades where this kind of career flexibility exists? How does this flexibility impact the appeal of such careers?
9. **Case Studies of Success**: The episode references successful projects, including Fisher's work in Kentucky. What are the key elements that contribute to the success of such projects, and how can these be replicated in other regions or industries?
10. **Regional Training Programs**: Fisher talks about the importance of regional training programs tailored to specific job needs. How can we develop and implement effective regional training initiatives, and what role should local businesses and educational institutions play in these efforts?
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