The pandemic saw not only closed doors of many businesses, and a Great Resignation, but now there is a skills gap from people moving away from where they once lived, retiring or even switching industries. While all of these situations are out of your control, there are ways you can overcome them to come out as a leader in your industry, make your business attractive to new candidates and carve out a future for your employees.

A skills gap?

The manufacturing skills gap is not just a buzzword for newscasters, but a reality for many in the manufacturing industry. With more than 2.1 million jobs unfilled by 2030, according to a study conducted in 2021 by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute , why are labor shortages happening in the first place?

One reason is that new technology is entering an industry as old as the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturers are looking for candidates that can do the job as well as manage the tech connected to the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence) and analytics. In an effort to better optimize every part of the supply chain, technology has entered the manufacturing discourse. Now, industry leaders are looking for candidates that can fill titles such as:

• Smart Q.A. managers.
• Robot teaming coordinators.
• Digital twin engineers.
• Smart factory managers.

Along with new technology, the last generation that dominated the field of manufacturing jobs was Baby Boomers who are now entering retirement age. Baby boomer laborers who typically have over 10 years of experience. They both shaped the workforce as well as enhanced their skills to match changing needs and demands.

Hiring managers now are looking to fill these gaps in both the skills they need and new roles unforeseen just five years before now.

Upskilling your employees

Employers need to understand that the market is no longer serving them, as it is serving job seekers. They have the opportunity to take their time scanning available jobs in search of their perfect match. To target this talent, employers should be open to finding a culturally fita candidate that has the potential to learn as they go with hands-on experience.

Upskilling on the job can help shape the next generation of laborers in new technologies and prepare them for upward mobility in the company. Not only will this be an attractive way to reach new talent but can help mold new candidates to your business needs as you see fit. Newer generations can look forward to not only learning new skills but making themselves marketable for higher pay and better job opportunities.