The Value of Neurodiversity in the Manufacturing Workforce
Peter Rathmann, CEO of Allis Manufacturing
Love the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Peter Rathmann is an advocate for neurodiversity in the manufacturing workforce. As CEO of Allis Manufacturing, he's built a culture that gives these individuals the tools for a successful career. As a father, he's seen his own daughter Emma, who has Asperger's Syndrome, find passion in a manufacturing job.
Now, Peter joins us on the podcast to shed light on the great value these individuals can bring to the manufacturing workforce.
If you're a manufacturer who can't find people to fill your open positions, you'll learn about a whole segment of our population that could be a perfect match for your company. If you're a parent or educator, you'll learn all about the career opportunities in manufacturing for neurodiverse individuals, and why this industry has an environment that could be a great match for them.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What is neurodiversity? Understanding a term that covers a wide spectrum
- The misconceptions of autism and what you should know about it
- Why neurodiverse individuals may be perfectly wired for manufacturing jobs
- How to build a work culture and environment that sets these individuals up for success
- Advice for educators to help raise awareness and pathways into manufacturing careers
Plus, you'll hear heartwarming success stories and get a plethora of resources from organizations that are helping neurodiverse individuals find work in manufacturing!
3 Big Takeaways from this episode:
- Neurodiverse individuals can bring unique strengths to the workplace: The characteristics manufacturing leaders say they want from their workforce (showing up every day, timeliness, paying attention to their work, efficiency, accuracy) are the same qualities that those with autism can bring to the table. Peter shares the success stories of his own neurodiverse daughter and employees and how their unique approach to the world makes them excellent manufacturing employees.
- Manufacturers must build a supportive work environment that values neurodiversity and creates space for growth and autonomy: There are certainly challenges to hiring neurodiverse individuals, and Peter shares insights into how to build a work environment that enables these people to succeed at their role. He also shares how to create support and awareness for the rest of your workforce and management to lead and work alongside these individuals.
- There are training programs and support organizations dedicated to helping neurodiverse individuals get the skills they need to work in manufacturing: Hear about The Uniquely Abled Project and the Uniquely Abled Academy at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), which is currently helping those with autism learn to become machinists. Listen to hear about a number of other organizations that provide services to neurodiverse individuals and their families, as well as employers, that help bring more people into successful employment.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- To learn more about Allis Manufacturing, visit their website
- The Uniquely Abled Project
- Uniquely Abled Academy at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
- Think Ability Wisconsin
More from Peter Rathmann:
- Why Hire Neurodiversity in Manufacturing? Because You Can't Fail
- Advice for Raising Your "Aspergirl" in a World That Won't Adapt to Her: One Dad's Journey Thus Far
Connect with Allis Manufacturing
You might also like...
What our listeners are saying
I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!
Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!
Compelling
I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...
The #1 podcast in TechEd
This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.
Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders
I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.
Best Career and TechEd Podcast
There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.
Filling in Gaps
This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.
The pulse of Industry 4.0
This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!
New and Exciting Content With Every Episode
I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!
Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry
These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.