NEW JOBS, NEW SKILLS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. WORKERS

It’s no secret that manufacturing is changing. As technology improves and automation continues to make manufacturing more efficient, the rising tide of U.S. manufacturing must change too.

There’s been a lot of doomsday-style messaging around these changes in the news cycle, with concerns from some that in time machines will be taking over as many jobs as were lost to offshoring in previous decades.

But let’s face it, we’ve all got enough to worry about right now. How about some good news instead?

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The good news, for those seeking employment in manufacturing is that the manufacturing sector is loaded with opportunity for those with the right skillsets. Yes, automation is changing things, but it’s also opening up a whole new world for exciting positions that will help advance the U.S. manufacturing industry as a whole.

New high-tech machines require operators capable of programming and operating machines correctly; the ongoing quest to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive global market means that critical thinking skills are more important than ever. Innovation needs thinkers, who can employ logic and reasoning to discover new ways of doing things.

THE NECESSARY SKILLS

The repetitive tasks of yesterday are now making way for the most in-demand jobs of the future. These are high-paying, rewarding careers. While requiring more training than can generally be achieved at the high school level, many also don’t require a full 4-year degree. Often the necessary skills can be gained through community or technical colleges. And in some cases, on the job training is available for those who show a willingness and aptitude to learn new skills.

Ultimately, it will be a combination of factors that help U.S. manufacturing succeed in the future. Applicants will need to gain new skills, and employers will need to be able to provide the training necessary for their particular needs. If these factors can meet in the middle, we’ll be ready to usher in a new age of American manufacturing.