The manufacturing workforce is shrinking

Today’s manufacturing growth is concentrated in high-value, capital-intensive sectors, such as computer and electronic products and motor vehicles and parts.

The current workforce isn’t meeting the level of technical skill needed for today, and unfortunately,  AI and other technological advancements will likely intensify this shift.

According to Deloitte, this means that low-skill manufacturing is staying overseas, keeping production costs more competitive for products like textiles, apparel, paper products, and furniture.

Production is increasing, but the number of US workers needed to maintain that output has dropped by nearly 5 million since the year 2000, according to Deloitte.

A growing skills and applicant gap threatens to leave nearly half of future roles unfilled. This is where upskilling comes in.

Organizations that focus on abilities and skills rather than job titles are 63% more successful in achieving results than those that do not.

Reskilling and upskilling strategies for today

• Offer internal training academies or programs
• Research e-learning platforms for self-paced learning
• Promote industry workshops, conferences, and seminars
• Use skills assessments to track progress
• Develop mentoring and rotational programs

According to Deloitte, a skills-based approach is more likely to:

• 107% place talent effectively
• 98% have a reputation as a place to grow
• 98% retain high performers
• 52% innovate
• 79% have a positive workforce experience

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