Metrology_Personnel_Shortage

[cmaxwell]

Check out this article: http://www.tmworld.com/article/322803-Metrology_personnel_shortage_is_real_Guest_Commentary_.php?rssid=20431&q=metrology

[Duckbutta]

This is old news.

One of the primary reasons is the fact that the military isn't turning out as many calibrators as more and more labs go contract. As time goes by, these contract labs are facing a dwindling supply of seasoned calibrators. This will inevitably lead them to take on unqualified people and going the OJT route. This is a problem that plagues the commercial labs. They are littered with unqualified people. Usually one or two strong technicians surrounded by people that have no business certifying equipment.

Another factor is the traditionally low salaries offered by many employers. They want Cadillac calibrators at Hyundai prices. These low wages are forcing many to seek greener pastures outside of the career field. Until these employers lose the 1980s payscale, this situation will continue to deteriorate. I don't hold out much hope for that as most commercial labs have no problem comprimising their integrity and reputations to bolster the bottom line. A sad situation indeed.

[CalLabSolutions]

I agree, unless someone starts an affordable (accredited) metrology training program, the skill level of the average technician's in this industry is going to continue to erode away.   OJT is great, but most people do not stay in this career field, long enough to learn the job.   

Last year I attended the PMEL Christmas party here in Aurora.  I was by far the youngest person there; all the other people in the room where old enough to be my parents. (So eventually I get the Rolex)

I am in the last generation of techs that were properly trained.  Not saying there are no sharp techs out there, but most of the tech I work with only know how to run the software.  I am also in the last generation of workers that identify with their profession, and seek professional growth.  Again not saying there are no techs out there looking to improve themselves.  But my generation is the last generation of people that read professional literature, attend professional functions on my time. 

This is why I started Cal Lab Solutions, choosing to write software for the metrology world instead of turning knobs as a tech.  As the test processes continue to get more complex (and longer), calibration labs require more and more automation.  Mostly because the skill level of the technician's they hire.   

What I like most about running my own business, is the challenge.  Every time I find something new, (i.e. a new standard, new test method, or some odd ball test I have never done before), I have to figure out how to do it correctly, and then automate it. There is no lickem-stickem in software; it has to be done right.

Mike
http://www.callabsolutions.com

[step30044]

Another factor is the traditionally low salaries offered by many employers. They want Cadillac calibrators at Hyundai prices. These low wages are forcing many to seek greener pastures outside of the career field. Until these employers lose the 1980s payscale, this situation will continue to deteriorate. I don't hold out much hope for that as most commercial labs have no problem comprimising their integrity and reputations to bolster the bottom line. A sad situation indeed.

How true!  I recently had a series of interviews with a defense contractor in Texas for Calibration Tech after speaking with 3 different people I was contacted by HR and offered $16 an hour with NO relocation. All of this for $16 an hour

Essential Functions:
•   Perform calibration of various tools to include gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
•   Schedule tools and test equipment for both on and off site calibration.
•   Coordinate and negotiate support service agreements for electrical/electronic and RF test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment.
•   Assist management in determining appropriate metrology support suppliers.
•   Maintain calibration databases.
•   Under minimum supervision, performs tasks of substantial variety, which require knowledge of inspection techniques, materials, gauges, tools, and equipment, including electronic and mechanical measuring instruments.
•   Work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, manuals or prototypes to assure conformance of jigs, fixtures, and tooling.
•   Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

•   Work under the general supervision of the Manager of Quality.
•   Effective performance of assigned tasks to ensure that inspection, test, and measurement equipment meet all applicable requirements.
•   Excellent working relationship with other employees.
•   A positive image of the Company and Quality Department projected to personnel, both inside and outside contacts.

[USMCPMEL]

Wow sounds good sign me up!! When I first got out of the Marines I started at $12 an hour and did all that plus more.

[Winterfire2008]

Really?  Let me know how that works out for ya!!!!!!

[mrrob007]

This is old news.

One of the primary reasons is the fact that the military isn't turning out as many calibrators as more and more labs go contract. As time goes by, these contract labs are facing a dwindling supply of seasoned calibrators. This will inevitably lead them to take on unqualified people and going the OJT route. This is a problem that plagues the commercial labs. They are littered with unqualified people. Usually one or two strong technicians surrounded by people that have no business certifying equipment.

Another factor is the traditionally low salaries offered by many employers. They want Cadillac calibrators at Hyundai prices. These low wages are forcing many to seek greener pastures outside of the career field. Until these employers lose the 1980s payscale, this situation will continue to deteriorate. I don't hold out much hope for that as most commercial labs have no problem comprimising their integrity and reputations to bolster the bottom line. A sad situation indeed.

Bravo, Duck!

That has been my contention all along.

[RichMojo]

Thats why, I with my BS in Management and working on my MBA, decided to change careers at 44 yo.  I will be starting as a contracting specialist trainee on Tuesday!  No more working in the PMEL field for managers with no Management schooling or ability!  Good luck to you all!

Mojo

[CalLabSolutions]

WOW..  But I guess I seen this one comming Mojo..

[USMCPMEL]

Really?  Let me know how that works out for ya!!!!!!

I am at just under $24 an hour now I have been out of the Marines for a number of years. I was just stating what I started out at.

[flew-da-coup]

Thats why, I with my BS in Management and working on my MBA, decided to change careers at 44 yo.  I will be starting as a contracting specialist trainee on Tuesday!  No more working in the PMEL field for managers with no Management schooling or ability!  Good luck to you all!

Mojo

I hope this job you are getting is not for the Government. Otherwise, you will be very sad to find out the worst management is in government.

[baileyda]

Hey Colleen you are the best.  Thanks for all your posts.

[Hawaii596]

I have an off-the-wall question regarding metrology personnel shortage.

Does anyone no actual (even approximate numbers) how how many PMEL people per year back in the day versus how many per year now, and when did the big numerical change happen?

I've always sort of known, but never known actual real info on it.

[griff61]

As long as companies won't pay adequately for trained, experienced calibrators while at the same time not spending a penny on new equipment, they'll get what they pay for and PMEL folks will simply find better things to do.
If you're a cal provider, pay techs low wages (or your benefits suck) and won't re-invest in new equipment, how can you be surprised no qualified tech wants to work for you? Not to mention the contant pressure of quantitiy over quality.