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The Evolving Manufacturing Industry: Skills, Technology, & Workforce Growth
Mar 26, 2025
Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute, shares her journey from a manufacturing family to a leader in workforce development. She tackles the pressing challenges in attracting talent and bridging the skills gap. Education initiatives like Heroes MAKE America are highlighted for transitioning veterans into manufacturing roles. Carolyn emphasizes the significance of storytelling in reshaping perceptions of manufacturing careers and discusses how AI and automation are transforming the industry, requiring a blend of technical and core skills.
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Quick takeaways
- The manufacturing industry faces a critical skills gap, with 3.8 million jobs projected by 2033, underscoring urgent workforce development needs.
- Storytelling is essential in transforming perceptions about manufacturing careers, ultimately attracting and inspiring a new generation of skilled workers.
Deep dives
Understanding the Manufacturing Workforce Crisis
The manufacturing sector faces a significant workforce crisis, with projections indicating that 3.8 million jobs will need to be filled by 2033, but roughly half of these positions are expected to go unfilled due to a lack of skilled labor. This shortage is not just a result of retirements but also stems from the industry's struggle to attract younger talent. The podcast emphasizes the need for comprehensive workforce development initiatives to bridge this gap and to raise awareness around manufacturing careers. Highlighting these challenges underscores the urgency for industry stakeholders to implement strategic programs aimed at training and retaining skilled workers.
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