Why Now Is Exactly the Right Time for Manufacturers to Join WiMEF’s Virtual Career Fair

Why Now Is Exactly the Right Time for Manufacturers to Join WiMEF’s Virtual Career Fair

How Husco uses WiMEF’s Virtual Career Fair platform to reach high-quality, motivated talent — and why other employers shouldn’t sit this one out.

Manufacturers across the country are navigating an uncertain economic moment. Some organizations are pausing hiring or slowing requisition approvals, unsure of what the next quarter will bring. At the same time, the industry continues to face a persistent and widening skills gap — one that will leave hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of roles unfilled in the coming years.

That contradiction is precisely why now is not the time to step back from recruiting. Instead, it’s the moment to stay visible, continue building candidate pipelines, and connect with talent you simply won’t find anywhere else.

For many employers, the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation’s (WiMEF) Virtual Career Fair has become a strategic advantage in doing exactly that. Husco — a longtime WiM corporate member and consistent participant in the fair — shared why this event continues to deliver value, no matter what the hiring climate looks like.

A Career Fair Designed for Manufacturing Talent — Not a General Pool

For Brittany Kulka, Director of Talent Acquisition at Husco, the biggest draw is simple: focus.

“There aren’t many opportunities out there to specifically find people in manufacturing. There are a lot of disciplines within the field, but very rarely do you find a career fair focused on manufacturing itself. That is our priority. And of course, anything that supports getting more women into STEM or manufacturing is hugely important to Husco and to our team,” Brittany says.

Unlike broad job fairs that cast a wide-but-shallow net, WiMEF’s Virtual Career Fair brings together candidates who are intentionally seeking manufacturing roles and who actively want to be part of this community. For Husco, this kind of targeted connection fits directly into their talent strategy.

Virtual Reach = A Larger, Higher-Quality Talent Pool

For Corporate Recruiter at Husco, Samantha Johns, the virtual format unlocks access they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“Oftentimes the candidates who apply are people in your general area,” she said. “And with our targeted school approach that we take here locally … we don’t have access to people who live all across the country. That’s where a virtual format like WiM’s helps reach those candidates that we might otherwise never meet or talk to.”

One memorable example: Samantha connected with a strong candidate from Kentucky who was interested in relocating to Wisconsin. Even though the process didn’t result in a hire, she emphasized the experience as a win: “It was a really strong candidate we wouldn’t have met through traditional means. We continue to see a strong pipeline, especially with students.”

In a talent market defined by scarcity, expanding reach is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Efficiency, Flexibility, and a Platform Built for Real Conversations

Recruiters often assume virtual fairs are complicated to manage. Husco found the opposite.

“The scheduling feature is super nice,” Samantha shared. “You choose your availability, block off what you need, and candidates schedule when they’re available.”

Candidates can also choose their communication style — chat, video, or scheduled conversations — allowing employers to meet talent where they are. And the booth customization? Surprisingly fun.

“I was so excited the first year,” Samantha said. “I had never set up a virtual booth before. The platform is easy for employers and candidates.”

WiMEF staff also stay present throughout the event, checking in and offering real-time support —part of the strong communication that stood out to Samantha.

A Motivated Community, Not Passive Job Seekers

For Brittany, the value goes beyond the platform.

“What I know from my involvement with WiM is that people are motivated to be here,” she said. “These aren’t candidates just looking for ‘what do you have to offer me?’ They want to contribute, solve problems, and grow in manufacturing.”

That intentionality sets WiMEF’s talent pool apart from broader job fairs, where employers sift through less aligned applicants.

And thanks to tiered pricing and options, Husco — with a single recruiter — gets exactly what they need without paying for unnecessary add-ons.

“The value is immense,” Brittany emphasized.

“There’s No Downside.” Why Husco Encourages Employers to Join

When asked what they’d tell employers unsure about participating, Brittany didn’t hesitate:

“Do it. There’s no reason not to. There are far more expensive career fairs out there, and this one gives you access to candidates you wouldn’t have. You have full control over your schedule. Try it — it’s absolutely worth it.”

Sam echoed that confidence:

“There’s no downside. It’s well-run, communication is great, and the quality of candidates is strong.”

Looking Ahead: Virtual Recruiting Is Here to Stay

While Husco remains an in-person-first organization — like most manufacturers — both leaders agree that virtual recruiting will remain a strategic component.

“When we have hurdles or a large volume of jobs, virtual allows us to reach more candidates,” Brittany said. “It will always be part of a hybrid strategy.”

The Bottom Line

In a tight labor market and an uncertain economy, the worst recruiting strategy is waiting. Staying visible, building a pipeline, and engaging motivated candidates now will set manufacturers up for success when hiring accelerates — and it will.

The WiMEF Virtual Career Fair offers something rare — a manufacturing-specific talent pool, a mission-aligned community, a simple and powerful platform, and a proven track record of delivering value.

For manufacturers committed to building a stronger, more skilled workforce, the WiMEF Virtual Career Fair remains one of the most effective ways to engage motivated, manufacturing-minded talent.

Discover how your team can tap into a nationwide pool of manufacturing-minded talent at the next WiMEF Virtual Career Fair, taking place February 26, 2026.