Survey Provides Insight on the Skilled-Worker Shortage
A recent study shows that manufacturers continue to experience problems with recruitment.
A recent study conducted by One Voice, the joint federal-advocacy program of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), underscores the severity of the skilled-worker shortage in manufacturing. The organization surveyed 199 metalworking manufacturers across industries including agriculture, aerospace, medical and transportation, among others. Respondents employed an average of 77 employees in 2012.
On average, the companies surveyed planned to hire eight new employees in 2013, and 69 percent had current job openings. However, 91 percent of the respondents stated that they are experiencing severe or moderate difficulties in recruiting qualified employees, with 42 percent reporting severe problems.
Respondents reported using several different techniques to address the challenge of recruiting qualified employees. Sixty-eight percent work directly with community college and vocational institutions; 53 percent use industry training centers; and 48 percent work directly with high schools to attract new talent.
One Voice, visit metalworkingadvocate.org.
