Happy Manufacturing Day! October is also Manufacturing Month. As such, can we talk about something a bit... spooky? ??
?
Ok, it's actually a lot spooky. Talent - or rather the lack of it - is going to be a huge challenge for the manufacturing industry in the next decade or so if we don't do something about it now.
?
Today, manufacturing not only needs tradespeople capable of running production lines, but also: specialized machine operators; engineers and designers; experts in areas like cybersecurity, operations, IT, and supply chains; up-skilled workers with invaluable experience we definitely don't want to lose; human resource and administrative professionals; finance, business development, and sales people - you get the idea.
?
In short, we need a lot of differently-skilled people to ensure the U.S. manufacturing economy functions smoothly and continues to be successful, especially as we enter the realm of Industry 4.0.
?
But here's the catch. We could be short half the necessary 3.8 million net new employees needed in manufacturing between 2024 and 2033.* That's pretty scary.
?
So what's going on? There's a skills gap, but also an applicant gap across all levels of both skilled and unskilled workers. In this economy, there are too many jobs to fill and not enough talented people looking to fill them.
?
Which brings us to what we need to be doing about this problem now. Before it we get in a huge, manufacturing-industry-sized pickle.
?
The importance of education in helping to avoid a worker shortage is no little thing. Not just in teaching the actual skills themselves, but also the encouragement, mentoring, and continued support of students and potential students in considering and choosing a career in manufacturing.
?
Community support is critical to the development of talent. We've got a great future ahead - let's be prepared.
?
For our part, as a member of the Multiscale Group of companies, we are partnering with Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) to create a registered apprenticeship program that will provide experience in CNC and advanced manufacturing to local Worcester students. Our hybrid metal systems especially will need competent operators as we continue to grow our manufacturing capacity. We are building the future we want to see.
?
If you're interested in a career pivot to manufacturing or upping your skill set, the QCC Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education is also a great place to start.
?
If you're in manufacturing, let's hear how you're supporting your own community in developing a talented workforce. How are you building your, and this country's, manufacturing future?
?
*The 2024 Talent Study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute - MI.
#manufacturingday #MFGDay24 #strongcommunities #manufacturing #advancedmanufacturing #worcesterma
