Baker Industries and its Founder Address Skilled Labor Shortage by Training Marginalized Workers
Baker Industries, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit founded by Charlie Baker over four decades ago, is addressing the manufacturing industry's skilled labor shortage by training workers from underserved communities. The company provides packaging, shrinkwrapping, kitting, and other services for manufacturers like Tastykake while preparing employees for future employment with its clients. The organization hires individuals including those with disabilities, former inmates, people in recovery, or experiencing homelessness—often overlooked talent pools. Baker Industries' approach has grown from a small garage operation to two locations, with plans for expansion outside Philadelphia. The company's mission aligns with broader industry efforts like the Second Chance Business Coalition and recent federal grants aimed at training formerly incarcerated workers. By offering hands-on experience in production work, Baker Industries helps build both technical and soft skills while meeting real-world manufacturing demands. Its success highlights a growing trend among manufacturers to diversify their workforce by tapping into underutilized talent pools.
Topics: employment manufacturing industry social impact talent development