U.S. Labor Shortage Series: Advanced Manufacturing
Building a generation of master crafters
Bringing at least one manufacturing product back to being produced in America is likely on the horizon. President Biden recently signed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which received bipartisan support. It includes $52.7 billion to increase domestic semiconductor production.
The plan will require 556,000 new workers, and many of those jobs are in, manufacturing. As stated by Biden when approving the act, “The skilled worker shortage problem is now upon us, and corporations are faced with training and recruiting thousands of new employees.”
In HIP’s experience working with workforce development experts and supporting federal agencies, leveraging existing programs that focus on developing the skills of America’s youth is an ideal way to equip a generation of master crafters to build the talent pipeline. Job Corps is one such program. Job Corps is a youth job training program that is prime for young talent needed for the semiconductor manufacturing shortage and offers a related Advanced Manufacturing program.
Another way to boost academic skills in manufacturing for youth and young adult learners is through support from grants like the Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC) Training Grants Program. In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded $40 million in grants to eleven community colleges, including seven consortium grants and four single institution grants in 10 states. Industry sectors represented among the grants include Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information Technology (including Cybersecurity), and others. The third round of funding is open now. DOL is requesting applications for SCC3 and is due October 14, 2022.
Maintaining our manufacturing industry and talent pipeline
According to Industry Week News and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “…there are 152,300 openings for general maintenance and repair workers projected each year”. Moreover, data from a 2021 study conducted by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI) predicts that 2.1 million manufacturing positions will go unfulfilled by 2030.
In addition to leveraging youth-focused career pathways and community college investments, Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide a viable path to a skilled workforce pipeline Apprenticeships cover a number of industries including Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Construction, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Financial Services, Hospitality, IT, and Transportation, to name a few.
Investment and Change Management
As a workforce development Thought Leader and technical assistance contractor, HIP’s recommended strategy to address labor shortages and build a viable workforce pipeline to support industry and the American economy include:
Bolster Job Corps youth recruitment,
Raise company partnership levels with Job Corps,
Increase support for Community Colleges,
Engage and participate with Industry Associations
Increase participation in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Develop change management plans to implement innovative retention programs.
For Additional Information on Job Corps’ Advanced Manufacturing program, visit: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/jobcorps
Learn more about the SCC3 and other upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcements: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/skills-training-grants/scc
For Additional Information on Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship’s website here: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program