What I’ve recognized is that most (tool & die) companies are failing at providing a path for (employee) success, said Geoff Luther, owner and president of A-1 Tool Corporation in Melrose Park, IL.  With about 85 employees, his company manufactures steel molds to make plastic parts.  To retain talent, A-1 Tool created a process map with detailed steps and goals that not only improves efficiency but shows people how to move up the career ladder from sweeping floors (entry-level at about $12/hour) to running grinders to fitting molds (at about $30/hour).  (Learn more at Factories producing new skilled workers in Chicago Tribune for Sunday, December 18, 2016 - Section 2.)

Watch for the forthcoming lesson on Climbing the Career Ladder at www.Lesson-Up.net.