The Misconception of Blue-Collar Jobs in Manufacturing

Dolores Wuepper, Director of Talent Acquisition, Finlays

In the world of manufacturing, the hunt for suitable candidates for blue-collar positions has proven to be a strenuous task. Dolores Wuepper, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in talent acquisition, leadership training, and commitment to optimizing the employee experience across various industries, sheds light on this issue. Her journey at Finlays, a global supplier and manufacturer of coffee, tea, and extracts, unveils the challenges and the pivotal need for a paradigm shift in how blue-collar jobs are perceived by the general public.

Wuepper’s entrance into Finlays in January 2023 marked a new chapter in her career, entering the food and beverage manufacturing space. However, she soon encountered a stark reality: the disparity in recruiting hourly team members versus salaried employees in this new space. Hourly, blue-collar jobs not only witnessed high turnover rates but also faced a decrease in general interest from prospective applicants.

Her epiphany came during a manufacturing-focused HR conference in 2023, where she engaged with peers grappling with similar recruitment woes. The root of the issue lies in the prevalent misconceptions surrounding blue-collar jobs. Positions such as forklift operators, machine operators, and sanitation workers were often dismissed by job seekers due to false impression about educational requirements, skill importance, career progression opportunities, and overall significance in the need for roles like these in society.

Wuepper’s personal experiences and observations fueled her determination to address this gap. Reflecting on her conversations with her son, who struggled to find his career path after high school. He didn’t know what industry or field to pursue but wanted to find a way to start with a company and continuously learn and grow over time. She realized her role of parental influence in steering young adults towards conventional career choices was likely prevalent in other households that want their children to be successful in life. This revelation emphasized the need for broader awareness and education about the diverse opportunities within the manufacturing sector.

"To initiate change, Wuepper embarked on a journey of advocacy and strategic recruitment planning."

To initiate change, Wuepper embarked on a journey of advocacy and strategic recruitment planning. She initiated conversations with stakeholders close to her, including family members, marketing partners, and global HR peers, to validate her findings and brainstorm solutions. Subsequently, she developed an implementation plan focused on leveraging social media platforms to redefine the narrative around blue-collar jobs.

The core of Wuepper’s strategy lies in telling rich stories of existing employees at the company who have proven career success by entering the manufacturing space in blue-collar jobs. By showcasing the diverse career journeys of employees, she aims to dispel myths and highlight the rewarding aspects of blue-collar work. Through carefully crafted campaigns targeting women and veterans and educating parents of high school and college students, she seeks to diversify the talent pool in her company and create a new way of generating curiosity about jobs in the manufacturing spaces for job seekers looking to grow their careers.

The impact of Wuepper’s efforts is gradually unfolding. With the approval of dedicated social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram pages, coupled with a robust social content strategy, Finlays is poised to showcase its vibrant workplace culture and career opportunities. Furthermore, the impending launch of recruitment campaigns and the inception of an internship program signify tangible steps toward bridging the gap between perception and reality.

In essence, Wuepper’s endeavor exemplifies the transformative power of advocacy and strategic communication. By challenging stereotypes and championing inclusivity, she paves the way for a future where blue-collar jobs are valued, respected, and embraced as viable career options. Through her unwavering dedication, she catalyzes a cultural shift that transcends organizational boundaries, shaping the narrative of the manufacturing industry for generations to come.

Marketing