U.S. manufacturers rebounded from severe job losses since 2000 by adding more jobs to the labor force. After reaching a peak in March 2015, companies shed as much as 68,000 durable manufacturing jobs in several key areas, including 29,000 in March 2016 alone. How can manufacturers stop the job losses?
The Future
Statistics point to a paradox among manufacturing jobs in America. Firms have plenty of open positions but not enough skilled people to fill the positions. Meanwhile, the United States may surpass China as the world's major manufacturing hub by 2020 as factory output increases. The manufacturing skills gap is expected to grow by 2 million workers between 2015 and 2025 — firms may need 3.5 million people but can only fill 1.5 million jobs.
Technology is the key driving factor behind the changes in manufacturing jobs. Digital manufacturing increasing productivity in current employees, while robotics and automation need highly skilled workers to manage a new kind of operation on the plant floor. Therefore, companies must improve how they view the workforce in three main ways.
1. Shed Myths
Myths about manufacturing jobs include working on dirty, smoky work environments simply aren't true in contemporary factories. Many firms create vibrant and bright working situations with less noise and more collaboration. Instead of huge swaths of real estate, some businesses contain collaborative offices with high-tech computers, rooms with 3-D printers and machinery that moves after hitting the Enter key.
2. Spread the Word
Firms must spread the word about the fantastic high-paying manufacturing jobs that are already out there. Businesses must point to high-demand laborers that can improve productivity. As an example, mold technicians are in high demand thanks to customization and smaller production runs. Instead of making one million items, many manufacturers create custom runs of 100 to 1,000 pieces. This takes a mold technician to create molds that machines use to put materials together. The starting salaries for these positions are $70,000 or more right out of college, but a lot of vo-tech students may not realize this huge income potential.
3. Prepare Job Seekers
Manufacturers need to help foster interest in science, technology and engineering jobs among teenagers. Millions of jobs go unfilled because of a skills gap that requires advanced training in college to run machines on the plant floor. Manufacturers need computer programmers to run machines, engineers to design automated processes and machinery technicians to repair everything. Firms should develop collaborations with high schools, vocational colleges and universities to ensure students receive the right training. Even better, manufacturers can pay for employee training so that workers are prepared for the future of the industry.
Manufacturing jobs and processes are changing rapidly thanks to expanding computer technology. To remain competitive, businesses should continue to compete for top talent by offering great jobs, fantastic training and good work environments.
Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!