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American manufacturing is growing—but who will fill the jobs?
In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lewis A. Weiss sits down with Carolyn Lee of the Manufacturing Institute to examine one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. manufacturing: building the skilled workforce needed to support new investment, advanced technology, automation, and AI.
Manufacturing has faced a structural talent shortage for years, with hundreds of thousands of open jobs across the industry. At the same time, reshoring, onshoring, new plant investments, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies are changing the skills employers need.
So where will the next generation of manufacturing workers come from?
Carolyn explains why automation and AI aren't replacing the need for people—they're changing the skills people need to succeed. She and Lou discuss how manufacturers can attract new talent, upskill existing employees, and build stronger workforce pipelines in their own communities.
They also explore:
Why manufacturing continues to struggle with a skilled labor shortage
How AI, robotics, and automation are changing manufacturing jobs
Why manufacturers need to invest in employee training and upskilling
Manufacturing careers that don't necessarily require a four-year college degree
The growing importance of technical education and Earn & Learn programs
How manufacturers can attract younger generations
Veterans and other overlooked sources of manufacturing talent
Second-chance hiring and its potential to expand the workforce
Why workforce development must happen at the local level
What manufacturers can do now to prepare for the future
Carolyn also challenges outdated perceptions of manufacturing. Today's facilities and careers can look dramatically different from the traditional image of factories and assembly lines. Modern manufacturing needs technicians, engineers, programmers, maintenance specialists, operations professionals, HR, finance, communications, and many other skilled roles.
The future of American manufacturing isn't simply about building more factories or installing more technology. It's about developing the people and skills needed to keep those factories running, innovating, and growing.
If you're a manufacturer, workforce development professional, educator, student, parent, or anyone interested in the future of American manufacturing, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Subscribe to Manufacturing Talk Radio for conversations with the leaders, experts, and innovators shaping the future of manufacturing.
Topics: U.S. manufacturing, manufacturing workforce shortage, skilled labor shortage, manufacturing jobs, AI in manufacturing, manufacturing automation, robotics, workforce development, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, manufacturing careers, reshoring, onshoring, employee training, upskilling, Manufacturing Institute, future of manufacturing.
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