How Manufacturers Can Attract Gen Z Talent Through Apprenticeships with 2026 Apprentice of the Year Sarah Morgan

Why do so many manufacturers struggle to attract younger workers while companies with strong apprenticeship programs have candidates lining up?

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan sits down with Sarah Morgan, Toolmaking Apprentice at R&D Leverage (an Adler Company) and the 2026 Apprentice of the Year recognized by the Mold Technologies Division.

Sarah shares how a high school manufacturing tour changed the direction of her career, why apprenticeships are one of manufacturing's strongest recruiting tools, and what employers can do differently to attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Whether you're a manufacturing executive, HR leader, plant manager, educator, or parent exploring career options, this conversation offers practical insights into workforce development, mentorship, and succession planning.

In This Episode You'll Learn

• Why high school manufacturing tours influence career decisions
• How apprenticeship programs help solve the skilled labor shortage
• What Gen Z employees look for in manufacturing employers
• Why visibility and outreach matter more than ever for recruiting
• The importance of mentorship and knowledge transfer before experienced employees retire
• How reverse mentoring strengthens relationships between experienced workers and younger employees
• Why manufacturing careers offer multiple career paths without requiring a traditional four-year degree
• How tuition reimbursement and continuous learning improve employee retention
• Ways manufacturers can partner with local schools to build future talent pipelines

Key Topics Discussed

• Manufacturing apprenticeships
• Workforce development
• Skilled trades careers
• Toolmaking
• Plastic injection mold manufacturing
• Manufacturing career pathways
• Employee development
• Succession planning
• Knowledge transfer
• Reverse mentoring
• High school career exploration
• Manufacturing education
• Recruiting younger workers
• Gen Z workforce
• Manufacturing leadership
• Employee retention
• Manufacturing workforce shortages

Memorable Quotes

"We'll teach you if you don't know."

"Recognition doesn't have to be a big thing. People notice when you care."

"There are so many different jobs in manufacturing. You can find your niche."

"I'm learning something new every day."

Why This Conversation Matters

Manufacturing companies across North America are facing an aging workforce, increasing retirements, and a growing shortage of skilled workers. Sarah's story demonstrates that attracting younger talent isn't simply about higher wages or better technology. It's about visibility, mentorship, career pathways, and creating opportunities for people who may never have considered manufacturing.

Her experience also highlights the importance of structured apprenticeship programs, partnerships with schools, and transferring critical institutional knowledge before experienced employees retire.

About Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan is a Toolmaking Apprentice at R&D Leverage, an Adler Company, and the recipient of the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Award from the Mold Technologies Division. She is currently completing her Toolmaking degree while working full-time and serves on her local ITEC advisory board, helping strengthen partnerships between manufacturers and schools.

Connect

Learn more about R&D Leverage:

https://www.rdleverage.com

Connect with Lisa Ryan:

https://www.LisaRyanSpeaks.com

Learn more about Smart Plant: Aligning AI, Automation, and People

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2FVPZZ5

Listen to more episodes of The Manufacturers Network Podcast:

https://www.manufacturers-network.com/

Recommended For

• Manufacturing CEOs
• Plant Managers
• HR Professionals
• Operations Leaders
• Manufacturing Executives
• Workforce Development Professionals
• Technical Education Leaders
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instructors
• Apprenticeship Coordinators
• Manufacturing Association Leaders
• Students exploring manufacturing careers
• Parents and educators