In some areas the manufacturing industry is gaining momentum as we enter the technological revolution. With innovation at the forefront of everyone’s mind, businesses have to quickly adapt and immerse themselves in a digital transformation! This is leading to a shift in new job roles, however, the question remains - who is going to fill these positions? 

A survey published by the Manufacturing Institute indicates that in the next decade two million jobs will go unfilled due to the skills gap! 

As of today, this year alone, 25% of manufacturing jobs are unfilled due to the lack of skilled applicants. It’s time to seriously rethink how we recruit and train our future workforce - Today we explore five ways employers can overcome the industries skills gap. 

1. Time to Train 

Many organisations have sprung up in the awakening of the skills gap to help businesses who are feeling the repercussions.

These non-profit organisations provide specialised training to students who want to start a career in specific sectors within the engineering industry. They work with students across universities and colleges to provide the extra qualifications needed for these roles. 

2. Teach, Train, Recruit 

Have you ever considered employing someone and providing training alongside the job? There are simply not enough qualified and experienced employees for the growing manufacturing industry, one of the ways we can solve this issue is through apprenticeships. 

Many training schools offers manufacturing apprenticeships and work with businesses to offer the training needed for specialized fields. Most frequently, this comprises of time spent with the employer and the training company to learn the skills needed to become a qualified member of staff. 

    3. Educate the next generation 

The question we should be asking is, why have we been faced with a skills gap? 

The problem has occurred because of the lack of young people wanting to train within the manufacturing industry. We need to engage the younger generation in engineering and manufacturing whilst they are in school. 

Getting involved in local school STEM projects can help build your brand awareness amongst the engineers of the future!

4. Upskill existing employees 

When employees further their education, everyone benefits. Your workforce will become more versatile and productive, which doesn't only boost morale amongst your workforce but attracts new talent. 

Many students with the correct qualifications will look for an employer that offers progression opportunities, offering upskilling courses can attract and retain high calibre staff.

5. Utilizing existing skills 

Interestingly, there may be a more direct solution - Many companies have discovered that they already have the employees they need but are merely using them in an effective way. 

Employers should be extremely knowledgeable of each employees’ skill set, as they may have the required knowledge for a position being advertised. Using an in-house job board to advertises new positions within the business can help you identify these individuals; you may find that you in fact don’t need to advertise externally for that specific role. 

The skills gap will continue to affect businesses across the country, as they compete for fewer applicants and struggle to find candidates with the correct qualifications - According to recent statistics the skills gap could leave a damaging $2.5 trillion impact on the U.S. economy over the next decade!

In order for manufacturing companies to carry on innovating they need to utilise the above methods to remain competitive to set themselves - and their employees - up for success.

If you don’t have the requisite skill set in your business, talk to TyTek Industries our team of engineers are hugely experienced both as problem solvers and in developing new products - particularly in magnetics.