I work for a major manufacturer, as a fulltime employee. We have both contract (temp) and an outside contractor providing labour services. My experience differs from the many comments listed thus far in this thread...
Our hired temps (contract) seem to be those that are starting out in the workforce or returning from a long absence (returning to work after having kids etc) minimum highschool diploma required. They may not have the work skills/experience required but through testing, written tests and interviews if they are determined to be a fit within the company they are offered a 2 year renewable contract. Above minimum wage, benefits, 4% vacation pay, and the opportunity to prove themselves. They are company employees.
Then there are the outside workers we use....a lot do not have a highschool diploma, even in their mid to late twenties, a good number are retirees who are just looking for a part time job to help make ends meat in combination with their underfunded pensions... Some are bad apples that could not find work anywhere else... These are the ones vandalizing our bathroom stalls etc... Giving the rest of the hardworking folks they work with a bad name.
10 years ago I never pictured myself working in a factory for the worlds largest manufacturer, but all those years on the tools and my education prepped me for where I am now.
That said, I have nothing but respect for those that work for us for the outside contractor we use... They are some of the hardest working people in the plant. And the ones that do well get noticed and sometimes hired provided they have the education behind them.(highschool)
There still are some great places to work, and a ton of fulltime jobs available if you have the skill set and education behind you... We all start from the bottom up.
G