Made in America: Replenishing the Talent Pipeline with Skilled Workers to Reshore American Manufacturing Jobs

The United States has long been hailed as an industrial powerhouse, but over the past few decades, the manufacturing sector has faced numerous challenges. In recent years, there has been a renewed call to restore and reshore America's industrial might. President Donald Trump recently proclaimed the start of a "golden age for American manufacturing" signaling a bold vision for revitalizing the U.S. industrial sector.

President Trump emphasized a renewed focus on domestic production, job creation, and technological innovation. This moment represents a critical turning point for the nation, where advancements in graduating a skilled career-ready workforce, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and manufacturing processes are poised to transform the economy. Central to this vision is the concept of "Made in America," which emphasizes the production of goods within the United States and the creation of jobs for American workers.

Skilled Workers and Applied Technologies

While the vision of a manufacturing renaissance is compelling, its success hinges on the availability of a skilled workforce to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. Industry has evolved significantly, with advanced technologies and automation playing a central role in production processes. As a result, there is a growing need for workers who possess specialized skills and expertise.

The manufacturing sector faces several challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers. These include an aging workforce, a shortage of qualified candidates, and a perception among younger generations that manufacturing jobs are less desirable than careers in other fields.

To address the skills gap, there is a pressing need for investment in education and training programs. This includes partnerships between industry and educational institutions to develop curricula that align with the needs of modern manufacturers. Apprenticeships, vocational training, and continuing education programs play a crucial role in equipping new workers with the skills or reskilling the existing workforce for the next generation of high-tech manufacturing jobs.

A proven educational program for closing the skills gap is the New Horizons Regional Education Centers (NHREC) , the largest of nine regional education centers in Virginia. The NHREC’s Good Life Solution Program is a collection of partnerships between its career and technical education initiatives and local employers that pledge to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain graduates right out of high school. According to a 2022 study, only 21% of 16-19-year-olds stay in a job for one year or more; the Good Life Solution program has an 86% retention rate since its conception . This program can be replicated and has a positive return on investment for Virginia and the nation’s workers.

For people looking to get a job, advance their career and earn higher wages with benefits to support themselves and their families, FastForward is the quickest, most affordable option in Virginia. The Virginia Peninsula Community College Trades Center offers short-term training to meet the expanding need for skilled workers in manufacturing, construction and building trades. Training at the center replicates worksites of welding, numerical computer control machining, carpentry, and masonry technicians. The center is committed to providing rigorous and relevant career and technical education in a dynamic learning environment that results in students reaching their highest potential. These programs need to be part of a dual-enrollment program for students while in high school to prepare them with the basic skills needed to qualify for their first job.

In Texas, an innovative educational initiative at the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is workforce employability. The college maintains high placement rates by working hand-in-hand with Texas industries to ensure its programs align with their workforce needs. TSTC’s sole purpose is student employment success and, as Texas’ only statewide two-year college system, it is the “Get-a-Job College.” TSTC is the only college in Texas that operates on a 100% outcomes-based funding formula. With its “returned-value funding formula,” the college is not funded on contact hours, but rather on the employment outcomes realized by students. The college relies on the placement of its graduates in great-paying jobs to receive funding from the state. The college’s close relationship with industry helps it decide what programs are needed and what programs are no longer viable. TSTC maintains fiscal responsibility with state appropriations by only teaching programs that lead to great-paying jobs, not just to a degree.

Encouraging students to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is vital for the future of manufacturing. STEM education provides the foundational knowledge and skills that are essential for careers in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation. Harry Moser, Founder/CEO of the Reshoring Initiative® states “a strong skilled workforce is key to reshoring and manufacturing growth. Development of a skilled workforce begins with motivating a higher quantity and quality of recruits. The key for reshoring is to change some of the misperceptions about manufacturing and help communities develop skilled professionals”.

Made in America

The future of American manufacturing holds great promise, but it also requires a concerted effort to address the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. By fostering a skilled workforce, promoting innovation, and ensuring a supportive policy environment, the United States can achieve the vision of a new golden age of manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve, manufacturers must remain agile and adaptable. Embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing can enhance productivity and drive growth.

The vision of a golden age of manufacturing and the "Made in America" initiative represent a bold and ambitious effort to reshore and restore America's industrial strength. By addressing the need for skilled workers, fostering innovation, and promoting public-private partnerships for collaboration between government and industry, the United States can pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future in advanced technology and manufacturing dominance.

Glenn Marshall is a member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Southeast board of directors, the Reshoring Initiative, and a career pathways volunteer for Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) (retired). Email him at marsh8279@aol.com.