How Can the Manufacturing Worker Shortage Be Fixed?

In my twenty-four years of manufacturing experience, I have discovered that manufacturing can be a great industry to work in. I started as a youth apprentice in machining and then served a registered apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker. Over the course of my time spent in manufacturing I was a team leader and a manufacturing engineer.

What I witnessed in my career was the lack of new talent coming into the industry. This shortage could be fixed with a few considerations as listed below:

1.     Increase Outreach: Contact schools and technical colleges to communicate with the younger generations. Consider providing guidance on the types of jobs available in the industry, while showcasing the potential for career growth and advancement.

2.     Better Communication: Find ways to communicate to the younger generation about career opportunities in manufacturing. Communicate with others that are facing the same worker shortage problems and collaborate with them on finding solutions to the problem.

3.     Employee Incentive and Retention Programs: By providing bonuses, promotions, and benefits to employees that have a desire to work in manufacturing, it could ensure long term employment.

4.     Manufacturing Automation: By investing in advanced manufacturing machines such as robots and other automated technology it can reduce the requirement for low-skilled workers while increasing productivity.

5.     Increase Training Opportunities: Employers can provide training programs and apprenticeships to develop the skills of the manufacturing workers. With this training it will improve the expertise of the workers while making them valuable assets to the industry.

6.     Government Policies: The manufacturing industry can be encouraged through tax credits and grants to provide training to workers.