Manzullo: Shortage of Skilled American Workers Threatens Future of Advanced U.S. Manufacturing

Press Release

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL), co-Chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus, today said more than 600,000 advanced manufacturing jobs are going unfilled because Americans lack the skills to fill them.

Speaking at the national 2012 forum of the Transatlantic Policy Network (TPN) in Washington, DC this morning, Manzullo said the huge skills gap leading to the worker shortage in advanced manufacturing is especially frustrating considering the high 8.1% unemployment rate in America. The TPN is a network of business, political and academic leaders working together to ensure a strong partnership between the United States and European Union.

"It is one thing to have no jobs to fill and high unemployment, but it is particularly discouraging when employers are looking to hire, but cannot find workers with the necessary training and education," Manzullo said. "Research and Development in science and technology is advancing rapidly and with it is the manufacturing sector. If the American manufacturing sector doesn't advance with the companies leading these developments in technology, then we'll be left in the dust."

Manzullo said a main culprit to the shortage of advanced manufacturing workers continues to be the incorrect belief in many young people that manufacturing is outdated or not a worthwhile career. Careers in the manufacturing sector can apply to students across the spectrum of education levels -- from specialized associate's degrees to PhD's in engineering and metallurgy, he said.

"We need to change the way that careers in manufacturing are perceived, particularly among our nation's high school guidance counselors," Manzullo said. "We can promote advanced manufacturing in the U.S. with tax incentives and leveling the playing field in terms of trade and invest in R&D, but none of it will matter if we don't have a competent, eager, and well-trained workforce."

Source