As technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace,
manufacturers are facing a growing skills gap. The increasing role
of automation, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence
and other innovations is rendering many traditional manufacturing
jobs obsolete. At the same time, manufacturers are finding that the
skilled workers they need to operate a modern facility are in short
supply. The situation is exacerbated by a tight labor market and
millions of retiring Baby Boomers.
Surveying manufacturers
According to the 2019 4th Quarter Manufacturers' Outlook
Survey by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM),
attracting and retaining a quality workforce is the greatest
challenge manufacturers face. It was cited by 64% of survey
respondents and has been the top concern in nine consecutive
surveys.
