Industry News

Report: American manufacturing may need 3.8 million new workers by 2033

April 10, 2024

Up to 5 in 10, or 1.9 million, skilled jobs could go unfilled.

A new report released by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute explores the workforce issues that face the manufacturing industry and offers insight into the investment and skills likely required to drive continued growth across the industry. The report, “Taking charge: Manufacturers support growth with active workforce strategies," was created by surveying over 200 U.S. manufacturers and interviewing senior executives from a variety of manufacturing companies across verticals. In addition, secondary data on labor supply and demand was analyzed and used to create the report.

Here are a few key takeaways from the report:

The manufacturing industry might need as many as 3.8 million new workers by 2033
Up to 5 in 10, or 1.9 million, skilled jobs could go unfilled
47% of survey respondents said that flexible work arrangements are most important to retaining top talent
90% of manufactures are forming partnerships to improve their workforce pipeline. This includes reaching out to technical colleges (73%), industry associations (58%), universities (48%), state and regional economic development agencies (47%), and K-12 schools (44%).

In a recent quote, John Coykendall, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and vice chair, U.S. industrial products and construction leader, said, "The manufacturing industry is facing exponential opportunity, yet still should prioritize strategies that will address the skills and applicant gap, especially as the acceleration of digital skills-based jobs continues. Developing talent — both from within the existing employee base and those newly entering the workforce — is important to keeping up with the pace of continued innovation. Companies who invest in upskilling the workforce through training, technology and policies that meet employee expectations are well-positioned for future growth."

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.