A 2011 report entitled “Can We Compete? Reducing the Skills Gap and Creating a Skilled Workforce through Linked Learning” by America’s Edge outlined the following statistics:
The gap between the availability of a skilled workforce and the number of jobs available for them has been referred to as the “skills gap”. As the data above indicates, this gap will continue to widen. As companies are not able to fill positions, they will need to find other alternatives or close their doors. Outsourcing jobs to other countries where the skilled workforce is growing, relocating the company, or shuttering it altogether may be the only options. Note that none of these scenarios reflect growth for American manufacturing.
The statements at the beginning of this post clearly state some of the problems faced by today’s manufacturers are lack of vocational programs, difficulty hiring and keeping skilled workers. If there is a problem, there must be a solution or solutions. But, what is the solution? And, what can you, as a manufacturing leader, do to help? What role can you play in the effort to address the skills gap?
Manufacturers can take avery active role in addressing the skills gap in the United States. And, doing so is important to the future of American manufacturing. According to the 2013 Next Generation Manufacturing Study conducted by The MPI Group, one of the key factors to reaching world-class manufacturing status is employing a talented workforce.
Following are some small steps that you can take that will make a big difference in your future talent development efforts:
◆ Exposure – Manufacturing has gotten a bad reputation as dirty, hard work with low pay and greater risk of injuries than other professions. October 4th, 2013 was Manufacturing Day in America and over 800 companies nationwide (60 in California) opened their doors to high school students, paren
◆ Education - Many manufacturers have a training program, but its goal is typically to enhance the skills of the current workforce. A strong hiring and development program is key to your company’s success. What if your training program included an apprenticeship for high
◆ Collaboration - The effort to find, train, and employ more skilled workers is not best done in a vacuum. It is time to gather best practices and learn from other’s mistakes and successes. Trade associations and manufacturing networks are great places to start the conversation. Conferences and events also provide the opportunity to network with other companies that likely face the same challenges you do. CMTC provides a listing of eventsfor manufacturers on our website. Actively participate in meetings and conferences and start the conversation!
While the skills gap threatens American manufacturing, this situation can be seen as an opportunity to show the next generation how great a manufacturing career can be. By exposing young people to manufacturing; creating a talent development program to attract and retain skilled workers; and collaborating with other manufacturers to develop and employ best practices, the discussion can turn from “skills gaps” to that of a highly innovative and talented 21st century workforce!