This isn’t a new problem, but it is a persistent one. And it’s not just about today’s numbers—it’s about what they reveal.

1. Today’s Labor Gap: Open Jobs, Not Enough Takers

Yes, manufacturers are still struggling to hire. Despite high demand, strong wages in many regions, and clear career pathways, employers simply can’t find enough qualified (and willing) workers to fill roles like:

• Machine operators
• Maintenance technicians
• CNC machinists
• Production specialists

This shortage isn’t because those jobs don’t exist. They do—and they’re essential to keeping our supply chains moving and our economy stable.

2. What Happened in 2022!? A Spike Fueled by Workforce Preferences

The chart also shows an unprecedented spike in job openings in April 2022, reaching nearly 1 million. Was that due to massive industry expansion?

Not exactly. That spike was largely driven by:

• Pandemic-era retirements and resignations (the “Great Resignation”)
• A shift in jobseeker preferences toward remote and hybrid work
• Skills mismatches, as many available workers lacked the training for in-demand roles

Manufacturing—by its nature—can’t go remote. You can’t run a CNC machine from your living room. So, when workers looked for virtual flexibility elsewhere, manufacturers were left behind in the talent race.

Even as remote work is being scaled back in many industries, the expectation has been set, especially among younger workers. Manufacturers now face a fundamental challenge:

How do you attract people to on-site, shift-based work in a remote-friendly world?

3. What Happens if Manufacturing Surges Again?

With growing momentum around:

• Reshoring supply chains
• Strategic tariff and trade policies
• Federal and state investment in domestic industry

…the U.S. could soon see a real surge in new manufacturing job creation, not just vacancies caused by people leaving.

If that happens—and we still haven’t solved the workforce pipeline issue—we’ll face a crisis of readiness.

We can’t wait for a surge to fix the problem. The time to invest is now.

What Needs to Change?

It’s not just about recruiting more workers. It’s about:

• Helping students see manufacturing as a smart, high-opportunity career
• Making better use of public funding—we can’t keep pouring dollars into the same programs and expect different results. It’s time to prioritize funding strategies that are outcomes-driven, employer-backed, and built for scalability
• Investing in pre-apprenticeships, credentials, and skills assessments that fast-track readiness
• Building a national talent strategy that includes industry, education, and government working together

America’s manufacturing base is the backbone of economic strength and national security. If we want a future where we make more things here—and keep jobs here—we need to treat workforce development like infrastructure:

Long-term. Foundational. Essential.

(All information in this article is credited to: Manufacturing Skills Institute)