Whether you're an engineer, technician, assembler, logistics expert, or salesperson, there's a place for you in the manufacturing sector. Most facilities require various support services, such as transportation, warehousing, and utilities; helping small businesses flourish by creating job growth.
Beyond the production of goods, the manufacturing sector serves as a vital part of job creation for the American economy, creating jobs for a diverse workforce. The fluctuation of job openings and job creation across manufacturing industries is largely dependent on the availability of the workforce.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every 100 job openings, there are about 62 unemployed americans; meaning there are more jobs available than there are people to fill them. The rise in job openings over the last few months comes off a dip in jobs from January and February. Still, in 2023, job creation hits pre-pandemic levels; in August, over 16,000 jobs were created.
Some factors that contribute to the creation of jobs in the manufacturing sector are:
Expansion of Existing Facilities: Manufacturing companies often expand their operations to meet increased demand for their products. Typically this kind of expansion leads to the creation of jobs including production workers, technicians, and management positions.
Supply Chain Growth: As manufacturing needs grow, so does their supply chain. This growth leads to job opportunities in various areas, including suppliers, logistics, warehousing, and distribution, shop workers, and management.
Investment in New Technologies: The adoption of advanced automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions can lead to job creation. While some routine tasks may become automated, these technologies often require skilled workers to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment.
The complex supply chains associated with the industry require a multitude of roles, from procurement and inventory management to transportation and distribution. So as the needs of the federal economy grow, so does the supply chain’s need for jobs; including new jobs around automation and digital industries. The digital revolution of manufacturing lends itself to the emergence of new jobs in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.
Manufacturing remains a vital force in creating jobs and driving economic growth across America. Automation and digitization do not inherently minimize the manufacturing workforce. It can create new departments within existing companies and industries.
If August’s job boom is any indication of the future job market, it looks as though we will continue to see an increase in job openings, as opposed to the dip in availability earlier in the year. As manufacturing continues to evolve and innovate, it will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of job creation in the years to come, shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
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