North America’s global competitive advantage depends in large measure on maintaining a strong foundation of workforce talent. But employers with North American manufacturing and supply chains are concerned about labor market shortfalls, particularly for frontline jobs in advanced manufacturing and logistics.
At the end of his four-year apprenticeship, Allen Miller will hold a journeyman’s license in industrial maintenance, an associate’s degree from nearby Germanna Community College, and a certificate in “asphalt technology” issued by the Virginia Asphalt Association. He might be the model for the kind of worker the U.S. economy needs more of to succeed.
“In a typical year, I’d be looking at maybe buying more equipment or investing in the business. And now I don’t know what things are going to look like six months from now.”
-Mike Schmitt, CEO
“Our U.S. manufacturing jobs and our 179-year history should not be considered acceptable collateral damage.”
-Jane Hardy, CEO
American workers are increasingly anxious about robots and automation replacing them in their jobs. The underlying dynamic is that jobs are changing because of automation, not disappearing. That’s not a concern in and of itself. The concern is that not everyone is on good footing to adjust.
U.S. manufacturers will create more than 3 million job openings over the next decade – but two million of these future jobs could go unfilled. “If we’re not able to ensure a skilled workforce and a steady supply of skilled workers for manufacturers in this country, then [companies will] either go out of business or be forced to look elsewhere.” – Gardner Carrick of the Manufacturing Institute
The operations of majority-owned U.S. affiliates added $869.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2014 and employed 6.4 million American workers. They are heavy traders as well, accounting for an astounding 26 percent of total U.S. exports of goods in 2013, and 30.3 percent of imports of goods.
The secret to the success of Michele’s Granola is more than a great product. Also instrumental was a little-known, decades-old government initiative – the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program – aimed at helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow.
Imaging software paired with sophisticated diagnostic equipment offers an amazingly detailed, 3D look inside the human body. Medical innovations support well-paying jobs in every state, from sonographers to medical software developers to medical equipment repair technicians. Expanding sales worldwide is a prerequisite to sustaining growth in these American healthcare jobs.