May
By Ben Hershey
The offsite manufacturing sector stands poised for transformative growth. Innovations in automation, lean manufacturing, and prefabrication are reshaping the way we build. Yet amidst all this change, one critical element demands urgent attention: Our workforce.
Across the industry, leaders are waking up to a profound truth: while technology and processes evolve, it is people who ultimately determine a company’s success. As new technologies emerge and expectations rise, the skills gap is widening. Companies that once relied on traditional hiring and training models now struggle to find, retain, and grow the talent they need to stay competitive.
Workforce development is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it is the backbone of sustainable success.
The Industry’s Workforce Challenge
Offsite manufacturing offers unparalleled benefits: enhanced efficiency, improved quality, and reduced waste. However, these advantages demand a workforce that is highly skilled, agile, and deeply engaged. Traditional methods of onboarding and skill-building no longer meet the needs of a rapidly changing market.
The industry faces a convergence of pressures:
- An aging workforce nearing retirement
- A shortage of skilled tradespeople
- Rising expectations for quality, speed, and innovation
Without proactive strategies to train, mentor, and engage the next generation, companies risk falling behind.
What Effective Workforce Development Looks Like
Training provides the technical foundation — equipping workers with the knowledge they need to perform at high levels. Mentoring offers the wisdom of experience, helping new employees navigate challenges and accelerate their growth. Engagement turns workers into champions, fostering loyalty, innovation, and resilience.
Research consistently shows that organizations with engaged employees outperform their peers. In offsite manufacturing, where collaboration, precision, and agility are key, workforce engagement isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Forging Solutions: The 4Ward Foundry™
Recognizing the critical need for a stronger workforce pipeline, 4Ward Solutions Group has long made workforce development a priority. Over years of working closely with clients in the offsite manufacturing sector, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformational power of investing in people.
To amplify this commitment, we have formalized our efforts through the creation of the 4Ward Foundry — a dedicated workforce development platform tailored to the unique demands of offsite construction.
The 4Ward Foundry is not a one-size-fits-all program. It is a flexible, customizable system designed to meet companies where they are, whether they’re:
- Building skills to enhance production capabilities
- Preparing the next generation of supervisors and managers
- Developing strategies to boost retention and morale
- Establishing mentorship frameworks that accelerate growth
Our team brings a unique combination of deep industry expertise and a forward-thinking approach. We understand that real workforce solutions aren’t built in boardrooms — they’re forged on production floors, side-by-side with your teams.
The 4Ward Approach: Partnership, Not Transaction
At 4Ward Solutions Group, we believe that true workforce development is a partnership. We don’t just deliver training materials and leave; we embed ourselves in your culture, listen to your goals, and craft solutions that fit your unique needs.
Our services through the 4Ward Foundry include:
- Onsite, customized workshops and training
- Leadership coaching for emerging and established leaders
- Employee engagement assessments and strategic action planning
- Skills audits and targeted upskilling initiatives
- Mentorship program development and implementation support
With options for both in-person, off-site and virtual delivery, the Foundry ensures that our support is accessible, scalable, and aligned with the fast-paced world of offsite manufacturing.
Why It Matters Now
The future of offsite manufacturing belongs to those who invest in their people today. Technology will continue to advance. Customer expectations will continue to rise. The companies that succeed will be those that recognize workforce development not as an afterthought, but as a competitive advantage.
By building career pathways, fostering engagement, and developing leadership at every level, organizations position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
The 4Ward Foundry offers a proven, flexible platform to make that vision a reality.
Ready to Forge the Future?
At 4Ward Solutions Group, we know that every successful project starts with a strong foundation — and in workforce development, that foundation is built on training, mentoring, and engagement.
The 4Ward Foundry is here to help you forge a resilient, future-ready workforce that will lead your company to new heights.
Let’s build the future of offsite manufacturing together. Connect with 4Ward Solutions Group to learn how the 4Ward Foundry can transform your team — and your success.
Ben Hershey is CEO and Founder of 4Ward Solutions Group, the leading consulting firm dedicated to advancing offsite construction and manufacturing operations. With over three decades of experience in the building materials and construction industries, Ben is passionate about driving operational excellence and empowering teams through strategic workforce development initiatives. His leadership in launching the 4Ward Foundry reflects a deep commitment to shaping the future of offsite manufacturing through innovation, mentorship, and engagement.
