As 2013 comes to a close, many manufacturing professionals are looking to the future. According to a new government report entitled "Manufacturing Jobs for the Future," the outlook is positive, but not overly so. For manufacturing companies, the report is a must-read document; it provides a no-nonsense look at the state of the industry and identifies what must happen to promote growth.
The manufacturing report, which was released in early December 2013, states that the manufacturing industry has been experiencing slow and steady growth since the recent recession. Though the manufacturing sector has grown by 554,000 jobs since early 2010, it is nowhere near pre-recession levels.
In order for the manufacturing industry to regain its original strength, it must add 1.7 million manufacturing jobs—more than three times the number of jobs added between 2010 and 2013. For many in the industry, the feat seems impossible. According to a recent story from Delaware Online, it will require cooperation from the government, businesses, and American workers.
One of the major impediments to steady growth in manufacturing jobs, according to the report, is a lack of support for research and development in the industry. In order to develop new, cutting-edge technologies, companies must invest heavily in the science and engineering that goes into advanced manufacturing processes. With the recent economic lull, many companies do not have the capital to do so, which results in a technological standstill.
According to the government report, many companies find it difficult to hire workers who have the skills to work with advanced manufacturing technology. The lack of skilled workers is a considerable problem across the industry. Over 83 percent of companies have reported difficulty finding employees to fill skilled manufacturing jobs. In the upcoming years, the United States government projects that the skills gap will widen as older workers begin to retire.
For skilled manufacturing professionals, the lack of qualified workers bodes well for employment. As a large portion of the manufacturing workforce retires, new manufacturing jobs will become available. According to the government report, people with experience and education in advanced manufacturing will have their pick of professional positions.
The government will also play an important role in promoting manufacturing growth. In order to support companies in developing new technology, government entities will need to enact policies that make it easier to gain access to capital, reduce barriers to international expansion, and strengthen the workforce.
Whether you are just starting out in a manufacturing career or you've been in the industry for years, the latest government manufacturing report has serious implications. By developing your skills and experience with STEM and advanced technologies, you can enjoy increased access to manufacturing jobs in the future.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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