Aleigha Schulke, a 27-year-old applications engineer for ANCA CNC Machines, joined the latest episode of the Gen Z in Manufacturing Podcast to discuss why companies are losing Gen Z workers, the best ways to interview Gen Z and the mindset of valuing quality of life over a paycheck.
Schulke’s interest in manufacturing began in high school when a paperwork mixup enrolled her in metal machining classes at a technical education center.
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She had previously worked for an aerospace and defense company that used ANCA cutter grinders and admitted to only briefly knowing about ANCA. However, a recruiter reached out to her about a position, and after what she calls a “marathon of an interview,” Schulke began working at ANCA as an applications engineer where her duties consist of completing time studies for customers and potential customers, performing machine demonstrations and teaching basic and advanced cutter grinder courses.
In the episode, Schulke discusses how the manufacturing industry gives the incoming workforce a plethora of options, allowing them to be more selective when choosing a job and a career. To capture the attention of Gen Z in interviews, Schulke recommends emphasizing their purpose with the company.
"We want to feel like we're part of it," Schulke said. "I want to feel like I'm making a difference. I want to feel like my life and the whole company is more important than just the paycheck. I make less than I did at my old job, and I'm a million times happier. I'd still never go back."
Schulke also stressed the importance of establishing a clear boundary between work life and personal life. She praised ANCA for creating an environment where employees feel their work is not the sole focus of their lives. However, she noted that the manufacturing industry generally lags in this aspect.
"[In] my manufacturing [experience], your first priority and only priority was to be there when the bell rang, punch in on that clock and they wanted you to stay late," Schulke said. "They didn't care what you had going on. Whether you had kids at home or anything."
To view previous episodes, visit manufacturing.net. Click here to subscribe to daily newsletters featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
