The manufacturing sector in the United States continues to face an ongoing labor shortage that shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. Recent reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal a consistent pattern of nearly a half-million open manufacturing positions every month.
As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, the current administration’s use of tariffs as a primary economic tool has placed a renewed emphasis on reshoring. Leaders appear particularly keen on encouraging new manufacturing facilities in the semiconductor industry, as well as other industries focused on advanced automation technologies.
Where will manufacturers find all the workers to fill not only the hundreds of thousands of open positions, but also all the new positions that will be created if new factories are built? It’s a question that has been confounding industry experts for years now, and there are no easy answers to be found.
Moreover, it’s not just a matter of pushing more students toward the skilled trades. The workers that current and future manufacturers need must possess the advanced skills needed to thrive in the modern manufacturing landscape. Today’s manufacturing worker needs hands-on skills related to a wide variety of advanced automation technologies.
That means that the manufacturing industry needs practical solutions that will allow them to both upskill current workers while also supporting the development of a pipeline of highly skilled talent for the future. Let’s take a look at a few considerations manufacturers should keep in mind.
Challenge or Opportunity?
According to an IndustryWeek article by Noel Nevshehir, “[t]he U.S. economy is undergoing a fundamental shift…in technology and work [that] are not temporary. They represent a new reality that requires coordination across business, education and public policy.”
The author is the director of International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships at Automation Alley, “a Michigan-based nonprofit center working with manufacturers on digital transformation.” His work with industry leaders has led him to conclude that “business leaders, educators and policymakers are hungry for practical solutions.”
He advocates for taking a positive outlook: “the challenge before us is not insurmountable. In fact, it presents a moment of opportunity…Rather than lament gaps in our education or labor systems, we must focus on building a workforce that is skilled, resilient and future-ready.”
Focus on Skills
Nevshehir notes that, “[a]t Automation Alley, we hear from manufacturers who are eager to adopt new technologies but struggle to find workers with the right skills. The issue is not just a talent shortage; it is a skills mismatch.”
Correcting this mismatch will require “bold and collaborative solutions across industry, academia and government.” Nevshehir believes “[a] successful strategy begins with teaching existing workers new skills.” Why? “Hiring for skills is five times more predictive of job performance than hiring based on education alone.”
The author believes “[t]his means we must put a priority on practical programs that help individuals gain competencies that are in demand through micro-credentials, internships, co-op programs and technical certifications. Lifelong learning is no longer optional; it is a competitive necessity.”
This focus on skills must grow beyond the workplace, though. Education policy must become aligned with workforce priorities. Fortunately, Nevshehir notes that “[h]igher-education institutions are beginning to respond, offering flexible curricula and hands-on experiences that reflect the needs of modern industry.”
Cast a Wider Net
In addition to focusing on hands-on skill training, the author also urges manufacturers to cast a wider net when hiring: “To meet demand, we must widen the talent pool. Women make up just 29% of the manufacturing workforce. Immigrants also play a vital role.”
This sound advice might seem controversial today, given the current administration’s fixation on anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) rhetoric. Yet, the facts don’t lie: “[n]early a quarter of U.S. patents are filed by immigrants, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.”
Nevshehir believes “[w]e must modernize immigration policies to attract and retain top global talent, especially in fields where shortages are growing.” Again, it’s a matter of perspective. According to the author, “[t]his is not just a representation issue – it is a missed opportunity for innovation and growth. Talent is America’s greatest resource. It exists across all communities and backgrounds.”
Shaping the Future Together
Once a manufacturer finds highly skilled workers, it must then take steps to ensure it keeps them. As Nevshehir notes, “keeping skilled workers is just as important as finding them. Workplace culture is critical. The most successful organizations are those that invest in learning cultures, provide opportunities to advance and create spaces where employees can grow alongside technology.”
For example, “[m]entorship programs, on-the-job training and employee engagement efforts are not extras; they are essentials. In an age of automation, human creativity and collaboration remain our greatest assets.”
Nevshehir concludes: “The United States has the resources and talent to lead in advanced manufacturing and digital innovation. What we need is alignment and follow-through. If we focus on practical steps, expand access to opportunity and stay committed to evolving with the economy, we can prepare a workforce that meets the future with confidence.”
Effective Training More Important Than Ever
Fortunately, manufacturers don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to upskilling current employees or hiring workers with the hands-on automation skills they need. All they need to do is partner with an industry expert in technical education.
With more than 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art training systems, Amatrol remains the world’s leader in skills-based, interactive technical learning for industry and education.
Amatrol offers a unique combination of flexible eLearning curriculum paired with hands-on training systems that teach skills using real-world industrial equipment in a wide variety of areas of expertise, from basic electrical, pneumatics, and hydraulics to the advanced automation technologies used in today’s “smart” factories.
Consult with an expert at Amatrol today to learn how you can take the first step toward teaching your current workers the skills that will set them up for success in the modern workplace.
About Duane Bolin
Duane Bolin is a former curriculum developer and education specialist. He is currently a Marketing Content Developer in the technical training solutions market.
