Manufacturing Starts with Building Workforce
In a recent Industrial Media poll, manufacturing and engineering professionals were asked, “What is most important to the survival of U.S. manufacturing?” Within just 24 hours, the poll drew 229 votes. Nearly half, 46% (106 respondents), said closing the skills gap is the most critical factor. Maintaining the nation’s position as a tech leader followed with 28% (65 votes), while rebalancing global trade received 25% (58 votes). Together, these priorities paint the picture that while technology and trade matter deeply, the workforce remains at the heart of U.S. manufacturing’s future. Manufacturing Starts with Building Workforce.
Yet, before the gap can close, one question persists — is it even possible? In an August 2025 Industrial Media survey, 63% (93 of 173 voters) said the skills gap may never fully close. Their skepticism aligns with a September Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing that manufacturing jobs fell by 12,000 in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines.
NAM Chief Economist Victoria Bloom recently said, “With manufacturing activity down, so is hiring. August brought a fourth consecutive month of job losses for manufacturing, and employment in the industry is now down 78,000 over the year. If uncertainty persists and activity remains slow, many manufacturers will continue to hold off on hiring.”
Even so, manufacturers are finding ways to move forward. Some are leveraging robotics and automation, both humanoid and collaborative, to supplement the workforce. According to the International Federation of Robotics, more than 50,000 industrial robots have been installed each year for four years running. While robots can handle repetitive or dull tasks, higher-skilled positions still require human expertise.
Reskilling and Upskilling
Many companies are tackling the issue head-on through reskilling and upskilling programs, internships, and partnerships with educational institutions. For example, Caterpillar recently committed $5 million to upskilling its workers in Indiana as part of a $100 million workforce pledge aimed at preparing employees for the future and sparking interest in manufacturing careers.
Naturally, workforce development doesn’t stand on its own. Global trade and technology leadership also play vital roles in manufacturing’s long-term success. The tariff environment continues to raise costs for businesses and consumers through higher prices on components and supply chain disruptions. While some domestic production has increased, that growth has come at the cost of employment in other sectors.
At the same time, maintaining the U.S. position as a global tech leader requires renewed investment in innovation. As MPC Management Consultant Mike Collins notes, America was once the world’s leader in government-funded research but, as of 2019, ranked 28th out of 39 nations. Private investors often prioritize short-term returns from applied research. Leaving basic science underfunded, even though it drives the breakthroughs that sustain long-term competitiveness.
Ultimately, each of these factors, workforce skills, global trade and technological leadership are intertwined. Closing the skills gap may not be easy. With continued investment in people, innovation, and policy reform, U.S. manufacturing can not only survive but thrive.
Source:
Manufacturers Say Closing the Skills Gap Is Most Important to the Survival of U.S. Manufacturing
The race to build American manufacturing starts with building its workforce.
https://www.techedmagazine.com/category/news-by-industry/manufacturing-education/