There are roughly 600,000 unfilled manufacturing job openings in the United States and employers are demanding highly skilled workers in order to meet their needs, according to Manpower’s Future of the Manufacturing Workforce reports.
“We are at a turning point in the manufacturing workforce environment in North America. There are major changes underway in the demand and supply for manufacturing workers – many driven by new technologies that will require new strategies and tactics for both companies and employees,” says Tom Davenport, author of the report.
Employers need skilled production workers in roles that require extensive training such as machinists, operators, craft workers, distributors, and technicians. The industry also faces a generational skills gap as existingemployees are nearing retirement age, creating an even greater demand for workers.
In response to growing workforce concerns by local manufacturers, the East County Economic Development Council created the Careers in Manufacturing series, which is designed to educate veterans and job seekers about career opportunities in this sector. Click here to gain information on an upcoming tour.