GUEST COLUMN | LIFTING CAREERS FOR WOMEN


Lifting careers for women


Trans-Lube Lubricants president/CEO Mark Davis highlights the growing need for skilled professionals in the industry and the significant underrepresentation of women in technical roles as leaders stress the importance of visibility, education and mentorship to inspire more to pursue careers in manufacturing.


he lifting industry plays a critical role in numerous sectors, including construction, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. When moving heavy loads, lifting is essential for productivity, efficiency, and safety. Demand for sophisticated lifting solutions continues to rise, thanks to advancements in technology and increasing automation. However, despite its significance, the industry faces challenges, particularly in attracting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. The modern, global economy demands safe, fast, economical, and efficient lifting solutions. Demand for skilled workers is growing. This growth is driven by various factors, including increased infrastructure development, the rise of automation, and the need for efficient material handling solutions across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Smart cranes and automated lifting systems create demand for professionals who possess not only technical talent, but also a strong understanding


T 40 Fall 2024 | ochmagazine.com


of safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Despite the growing demand for skilled


workers in the lifting industry, women remain significantly underrepresented in this field and in manufacturing as a whole. According to the National Science Foundation, women accounted for only 28% of the workforce in science and engineering fields as of 2020. In the crane and lifting industry specifically, studies indicate that women hold less than 10% of technical and engineering roles. This gender disparity robs industry of talent and limits innovation and growth. What’s needed to attract more women to


careers in manufacturing? According to Karen Norheim, president/CEO, American Cranes, women in the industry need to stand up and stand out, inspiring others by providing a vision of what is possible. “I invite women already in manufacturing to be role models to inspire the next generation of women, and men, to enter our industry. I encourage them to promote their pride and passion for manufacturing by sharing


why they love their jobs, their companies, and this industry.” Norheim says that workforce diversity leads to “cognitive diversity to solve problems more effectively. The greater perspective gained on an issue, the better the solutions will be.” Asked how she chose a career in the lifting industry, Norheim says, “It chose me… Although I was very reluctant. My father asked me to come and work for him, and I was like, okay, how cool can manufacturing be? Well, I said yes. And I found my passion for manufacturing.” Roles in the lifting industry are plentiful, and the opportunities are impressive, but not enough people are aware of what’s available. Norheim says, “Our biggest hurdle is that many women are just not aware of the opportunities available in manufacturing. There is significant overlap between what women want in careers and the attributes of careers in manufacturing. That’s why we need to educate others about the opportunities and benefits of a manufacturing career.” April Pitts-Baggett, PhD Metallurgist and Quality Assurance engineer at Nurcor Steel, spends a lot of time each year educating new grads and new hires about the possibilities for women in manufacturing. She travels regularly to career expos and recruiting events, putting the word out that manufacturing jobs have a lot to offer. She says; “The work is challenging and satisfying. The pay is competitive, if not better, but not many people know about it.”


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