Summer Skill Surge: Why Now Is the Time to Upskill Your Manufacturing Team
Summer often brings a welcome lull in the hustle of production,but at Mills Machine Works, we see it as an opportunity. When machine time slows down and the calendar clears a bit, we shift our focus to what keeps us competitive long-term: upskilling our team.
As technology evolves and customer demands shift, the shops that thrive are the ones that grow their people alongside their capabilities. Here’s why summer is the perfect season to invest in skill development and how we’re doing it.
Why Upskilling Matters in Manufacturing
The future of manufacturing is digital, fast-paced, and precise. Whether it’s learning new software, improving inspection techniques, or deepening understanding of materials and tolerances, upskilling helps us:
Improve efficiency and reduce rework
Strengthen internal problem-solving and innovation
Increase job satisfaction and retention
A well-trained team doesn’t just get more done - it makes fewer mistakes, adapts faster, and creates a better experience for your customers.
How We’re Upskilling This Summer at Mills Machine Works
Cross-Training Across Machines
We’re pairing experienced machinists with newer team members to pass down real-world tips on setups, tooling choices, and material quirks.Paperless Parts Training
We’re diving deeper into our quoting software’s advanced features to make our quoting process even smarter and more efficient.Lunch & Learns
Every other Friday, we host casual skill shares, from GD&T refreshers to better programming strategies. Knowledge spreads fast when there’s pizza involved.Encouraging Certifications
We support and reimburse team members pursuing certifications that elevate their trade knowledge, from NIMS to Lean Six Sigma basics.
Make the Most of Summer’s Slowdown
Whether you’re a small shop or a large operation, now is the time to prepare for the demands of Q4 and beyond. Upskilling doesn’t always mean expensive courses, it starts with sharing knowledge, encouraging growth, and making space to learn.
At Mills Machine Works, we know that investing in people is the best investment we can make.
Ready to partner with a shop that puts skill and service first? Reach out today and let’s build something better, together.