The labor shortage that was catapulted into the spotlight by The Great Recession was only supposed to last 2 years. Then it was 5. Now, as we enter the 10th year of a continually declining labor shortage in manufacturing, what could possibly be the issue, and how can we, as an industry, do a better job at fixing it?
One of the most common myths about the labor shortage started in 2009 when the great recession hit. Skilled labor has been declining consistently for almost 20 years now – reasons include workers that are retiring and fewer young people are replacing them, seeing college as a more viable option instead of trade work.
Industry experts estimate that this shortage will go on for the foreseeable future while demand will continue to climb. Technology has made up for some of this issue in manufacturing, but not at the rate that workers are needed.
(Photo: Henrico County Public Schools/Facebook)
Manufacturing is crucial to the economy, and Americans understand that. The problem is not perception, the problem is workers. The future of manufacturing lies within the next generation of workers. Nearly all working millennials opted for some higher degree, so the focus needs to shift even younger, to kids in high school with in-school trade programs like BOCES, after-school programs, or signing days for seniors that decide to go directly into trades.
One way Formtek tries to help is by taking part in Manufacturing Day, a national initiative held every October to inspire the next generation to go into manufacturing and have it be a viable and stable career path. Click here to learn more or to sign up for an event near you.