Marion T. asks…

Q: What is the toughest obstacle manufacturers are facing right now?

A: This question was recently posed by the Daily Herald to four manufacturing associations. Their answers:

Management Association, Downers Grove, IL: “Recruiting and retaining skilled employees, and particularly attracting young employees. There is a disconnect between our educational system and manufacturing in the United States, and the entire industry is suffering from a branding crisis. While there are plenty of grass roots efforts to address these issues, we lack a concerted, national campaign to address the image of modern manufacturing.”
Association for Manufacturing Excellence, Rolling Meadows, IL: “The shortage of skilled workers is the toughest obstacle. As Baby Boomers retire, most manufacturing jobs go unfilled. Manufacturing still suffers from an image problem which can make it challenging to attract highly skilled employees who have a strong background in STEM.”
Valley Industrial Association, Geneva, IL: “The manufacturing skills gap still remains the biggest challenge. Finding qualified employees with a strong work ethic is impacting every type of manufacturer.”
The Technology & Manufacturing Association, Park Ridge, IL: “The toughest obstacle is finding skilled future employees.”

Stay in school. Earn a certificate or degree. Enough said.