DEARBORN, Mich. -- As manufacturers eliminate the mainly repetitive, assembly type jobs, they still have unfilled job openings for high-skilled workers, according to a study by Deloitte, The Manufacturing Institute and Oracle.
The study found that almost one-third of companies reported some level of shortages. Companies, particularly those in aerospace and defense and life science sectors, are having difficulty finding skilled production workers, scientists, and engineers.
“This is certainly an employer’s market, but not as much with manufacturers,” says Mark C. Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. “Manufacturers are looking for employees who are the opposite of the stereotypical factory worker doing repetitive, assembly line work. They are in need of 21st century workers with specialized technical training such as machinists, operators and technicians.”
The study also found that manufacturers aren't working to find these types of workers, or are depending on largely ineffective traditional approaches to managing and developing their employees.
Nearly half of the companies surveyed said many of their current workers have inadequate basic employability skills, including attendance, timeliness, and work ethic. Forty-six percent reported problems with problem-solving skills, and 36 percent said insufficient reading, writing, and communication skills were a problem.
For additional information, visit http://www.deloitte.com/us/peoplemanagementpractices
