Welcome to another episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing, a podcast where I talk to young people about their journeys in manufacturing, how they intend to influence the industry and what they are looking for from an employer.

For this episode, I welcome Cooper Maddas, a 26-year-old laser operator at Manufacturing Corporation of America’s MetalPeak facility, which offers broad-spectrum cutting of various metals and thicknesses for multiple industries, including automotive, medical and oil & gas.

Maddas got his start in manufacturing in high school and has been working in the industry ever since. At MetalPeak, he operates sheet laser machinery and helps train newer employees.

In this episode, Maddas discusses:

• (1:09) How Gen Z weighs their options in high school
• (4:49) The real reason people have a negative attitude toward manufacturing
• (11:15) Why a company’s pitch to the younger generation falls flat
• (13:43) Gen Z’s non-traditional work preferences

Please make sure to like and share this episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing. To view previous episodes, visit manufacturing.net. If you are a member of Gen Z and would like to discuss your experience in the manufacturing industry, please get in touch with me, Nolan Beilstein, at nolan@ien.com.