There Are Open Jobs in Manufacturing
Why does Gen Z not want them?
It’s a struggle to entice younger workers. Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash
As we approach 2025, one of the most pressing challenges manufacturers face is a growing labor shortage. Research anticipates that 1.9 million jobs will go unfilled during the next decade. This issue, compounded by the retirement of experienced workers and the lack of interest from younger generations, threatens many manufacturers’ ability to remain competitive. To overcome this, they must embrace new technologies that not only automate processes but also empower and upskill their workforce. The future lies in democratizing access to advanced tools, fostering technological education, and building strong partnerships with educational institutions.
Democratizing quality inspection: Making metrology accessible to everyone
One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face today is the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in specialized areas like programming and quality inspection. This is especially true for smaller manufacturers that often struggle to find the metrology experts and programming talent required to set up and run coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Many manufacturers have shared stories of programmers located in states, or even countries, different from their factory because local talent is simply unavailable. The shortage of skilled labor is so severe that it hampers productivity and delays time to market for products.
To address this problem, new software solutions that automate the creation of measurement programs directly from computer-aided design (CAD) data can be implemented to democratize access to metrology, making it accessible to all employees regardless of their experience. This innovation helps speed up the production process while reducing the risk of quality errors, empowering younger workers to take on roles traditionally held by highly trained experts.
Manufacturers can now quickly train new hires to use advanced metrology software, reducing the need for highly specialized and hard-to-find programmers. This transformation makes metrology more accessible and integrates quality inspection in the everyday work environment, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency. It also familiarizes employees who work on other parts of the manufacturing process with quality assurance; instead of waiting to inspect a product at the end of a job, it’s done throughout a product life cycle. With AI-powered tools like this, the goal isn’t to replace jobs but to address the labor gap while equipping the workforce with the tools they need to excel in their roles.
Supporting upskilling through advanced technologies
In addition to democratizing quality inspection, manufacturers are leveraging other advanced technologies to upskill their workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are starting to play pivotal roles in machining. Modern machining technologies now have the ability to learn from previous jobs, improving their performance over time and more reliably meeting specs. When the machine can do more of the heavy lifting itself, it frees up time for that worker to pursue a higher-level, business-critical task.
The rise of digital twin technology is another example of how manufacturers are investing in improving workforce skills. Tools like Hexagon’s Machine Trainer allow workers to train on digital replicas of real machines. These simulations offer a safe environment for learning, enabling employees to develop their skills without risking costly mistakes. This not only accelerates the learning process but also ensures that safety is paramount.
Cloud-based connectivity platforms also support upskilling by enabling manufacturers to operate from one source of truth through improved data sharing, where all workers have access to real-time information about the factory floor. Connecting an organization’s data helps identify issues earlier and facilitates collaboration across teams, improving decision-making and reducing the chances of errors. Real-time data insights empower workers to make informed decisions so they can get ahead of any shift delays, further enhancing their skills and contributions to the business.
These technological advancements are helping manufacturers transition to a more autonomous, efficient operation, enabling workers to focus on higher-value tasks while machines handle repetitive, labor-intensive processes.
Building the workforce of the future
While technology is crucial for addressing the labor shortage, fostering partnerships with educational institutions is equally important. Manufacturers must invest in educating and training the next generation to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Hexagon, for instance, has established partnerships with more than 700 high schools and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Working with schools to ensure they have the right training equipment sets up students for success, sparking a passion and curiosity for the manufacturing field.
One notable collaboration is with Purdue University, where Hexagon is involved in research and education initiatives bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through these partnerships, students are exposed to cutting-edge technologies used in modern manufacturing, preparing them for real-world challenges. These collaborations also help dispel the notion that manufacturing is an outdated or undesirable career choice. Ensuring that students have the right equipment helps show them the opportunities for innovation and growth within the industry.
In addition to these partnerships, Hexagon has invested in its own training initiatives through Hexagon MI Learning Center, soon to be Nexus Academy. This online platform provides access to training resources for new hires and experienced workers, allowing them to learn how to use advanced manufacturing technologies. Offering comprehensive training programs helps workers continuously develop their skills and stay ahead of industry trends.
By working closely with educational institutions and providing ongoing training opportunities, manufacturers can inspire a new generation of workers to enter the industry. This is essential for closing the skills gap and addressing the labor shortage that threatens the future of manufacturing.
Empowering the workforce through technology
The labor shortage in manufacturing is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted solution—manufacturers can’t rely solely on traditional methods to attract and retain talent. Instead, they must embrace new technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins, focusing on making manufacturing skills easy to acquire and reframing manufacturing as a field where incoming generations can innovate and make a difference.
As manufacturers continue to navigate the challenges of globalization, economic uncertainty, and the labor shortage, technology will be their greatest ally. By upskilling workers, embracing automation, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, manufacturers can secure their future and remain competitive in the global marketplace.
