Report finds workforce challenges a top concern for manufacturers

Manufacturers are optimistic about their industry and the U.S. economy but concerned about the ongoing struggle to find qualified workers, according to the “2017 Manufacturing Report” from professional services firm Sikich LLP.

In the firm’s third annual report on the manufacturing industry, nearly 80 percent of respondents said they are more optimistic about the U.S. economy compared to last year, while 66 percent said the same about the manufacturing industry. Sixty-nine percent expect headcount to increase. Even so, respondents identified addressing workforce challenges as a top priority for their companies, and nearly 60 percent pointed to a lack of qualified workers as a barrier to business growth.

More than half of respondents said their companies have no involvement with high schools, community colleges, or universities to develop skilled workers. More than 80 percent said they provide 40 hours or less of annual training per employee.

The full report, which also discusses the cybersecurity threat and identifies manufacturers’ growth strategies, can be found here.