Held annually on the first Friday in October, this year’s National Manufacturing Day is October 6. In observance of the day, more than 1,600 American manufacturers will open their doors in an effort to open the eyes of young people to the possibility of careers in manufacturing and engineering.
Prolink celebrates America’s creators, doers, and makers — those who continue to develop and construct products while unlocking new technologies to grow American manufacturing.
At Prolink, our Resources Team partners with clients in manufacturing, industrial, machining, and other technical sectors to fill engineering, skilled trades, manufacturing, and other non-clinical positions across the country.
While we often think of manufacturing as an assembly line that builds equipment, today’s manufacturing industry includes businesses that produce the tiniest of components to building supplies to complete structures. In fact, modern manufacturing environments — also known as advanced manufacturing — are filled with innovative technologies, computer-aided machines, and progressive software programs while employees work as teams to solve problems and produce high-quality goods.
The Current State of US Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry has experienced record growth along with an increase in available positions in recent years. In June 2023, close to 13 million people were employed in the US manufacturing sector, which is the highest monthly tally since late 2008. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following 10 states added the most manufacturing jobs between January 2021 and May 2023.
- Texas: 86K jobs added
- California: 79K
- Florida: 37K
- Ohio: 31K
- Georgia: 29K
- Pennsylvania: 28K
- Tennessee: 24K
- Michigan: 24K
- Missouri: 20K
- Kentucky: 20K
Despite this growth, there were 693,000 open manufacturing jobs as of March 2023. For example, durable goods manufacturers — such as automotive, appliance, or electronics manufacturers — have more unfilled job openings than unemployed workers with experience in their respective industries. Even if every unemployed person with experience in the durable goods manufacturing industry were employed, the industry would fill only around 75% of the vacant jobs.
Currently, Prolink’s top engineering and skilled trades positions include the following.
In-Demand Engineering Positions:
- Controls Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Project Engineers
In-Demand Skilled Trades Positions:
- Controls Technicians
- Electricians
- Machinists
- Maintenance Technician
- Welder/Fabricators
The Future of US Manufacturing
To combat the current skills gap, talent must continue to grow to meet the needs of the evolving manufacturing industry. By 2030, an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled if the skills gap is not adequately addressed.
US manufacturers are willing to do their part to help close the skills gap. According to EY and The Manufacturing Institute, 82% of manufacturing industry leaders interviewed said their organizations are seeking new and innovative ways to invest in the careers of their workforces. Manufacturing jobs that offer immersive experiences, individualized training, and a clearer path for career progression are more attractive to talent.
While initiatives like National Manufacturing Day help to lay the groundwork for future generations, organizations can turn to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to impact workforce trends and help manufacturers fill these empty jobs. According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, manufacturers have more work to do to attract larger numbers of women and diverse workers to the industry. The Institute is leading an industry-wide effort to close the opportunity gap and is partnering with the National Association of Manufacturers to ensure the US has the workforce needed to seize these opportunities.
If your business is looking for a workforce solutions partner that will listen to your organization’s needs, we’d love to hear from you. Visit prolinkworks.com/contact to connect with an account manager today.
And if you’re a manufacturing, skilled trades, or technical candidate interested in working with Prolink to find your next position, visit prolinkworks.com/skilled-labor to view open positions or create an account. Once we review your resume, one of our recruiters will reach out to discuss next steps.
