The skilled-labor shortage within the manufacturing sector is no secret, as manufacturers have been struggling mightily to find the right folks to fill job openings.

Well, Mr. and Mrs. Manufacturer, if it’s any consolation you’re not alone.

Manpower on Thursday released the results of its annual talent shortage survey, which showed 41 percent of employers across the globe are having a tougher time filling jobs. Topping the list of the most difficult spots: sales reps, skilled manual trades people, technicians and engineers.

“Our data for 2007 reflect the ebb and flow in the demand for talent within the global labor market, as companies and governments seek ways to alleviate talent problems due to demographic shifts, immigration and other issues,” said Jeffrey Joerres, Chairman and Chief Executive of Manpower. “For example, the percentage of German employers who are having difficulty filling positions has fallen dramatically from last year, which is a result of positive government labor-market reform. However, labor-market flexibility and skills shortages will continue to be a challenge for employers in Germany.”

One of the more interesting findings from Manpower is that teachers are the second-hardest position to fill in the U.S., but the profession doesn’t show up in the top 10 elsewhere in the Americas. (Could it have anything to do with the relatively poor pay, often-times harsh working conditions, or disgust with the teachers unions in the U.S.?)

Meanwhile, the best place to be if you’re in the skilled manual trades is Europe. Carpentry, welding, plumbing and the like are ranked as the first or second most difficult jobs to fill in all countries surveyed in the region, except for Ireland.

To see the Top 10 list, click here.

The survey showed that employer requirements for IT staff have been surpassed by other in-demand positions like accounting and finance staff.

“The absence of skilled IT staff from out Top 10 list by no means indicates that these positions are no longer in demand,” Joerres said. “Rather, companies are getting more sophisticated about workforce optimization strategies and how they use a combination of outsourcing, in-sourcing, on- and offshoring and automated technologies, which can help them better manage their talent requirements.”