Made in the USA- Again!

Having spent my entire adult life in the construction industry, I probably tend to focus on that sector a bit more simply because it’s what I'm involved in every day, however the skilled trades are much more than just construction.

One overlooked sector is the manufacturing industry.  While we often hear the complaint: “we don’t make anything in this country anymore”, there has been record private sector investment in manufacturing this past year. In fact, according to a report by Deloitte, there was over $88 billion of investment in the clean technology manufacturing sector alone. That and other investments propelled construction spending on manufacturing projects to $201 billion in 2023, a year-over-year increase of 70%. Continued growth is expected again in 2024.

While supply chain issues continue to challenge manufacturers, the National Association of Manufacturers - NAM report 75% of their members feel that attracting and retaining talent remains their biggest obstacle. This has led to significant increases in earnings with one report showing those earnings increased by 5.1% in Q2 2023 alone.

Coupled with incentives such as flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks and swap/split shift options, employers are reporting a 19% increase in employee retention rates. While the push to employ AI in these sectors continues, it’s estimated that its use can only replace 12% of the workers presently needed. As of April 1, 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports the number of unfilled positions at 353k.

In 2021 nearly 33% of all manufacturing workers were over the age of 55. The resulting attrition will continue for the foreseeable future and present many opportunities. As we bring back the jobs, we need to continue to Bring Back the Trades, Inc and make both parents and young adults aware of these opportunities.

Groups such as RESHORING INITIATIVE have worked hard to change the perception that manufacturing careers are low prestige and low income. Apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs are creating skilled manufacturing technologists with income levels in parity with university degrees.

Bring Back the Trades, Inc is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, advocacy group providing a host of services to those interested in the skilled trades. These include mentoring, information about getting started in the trades and career fair-type “Skilled Trades Exhibitions” featuring hands on experiences of each discipline’s means and methods. BBTT also provides monthly scholarship awards to those wishing to attend trade school.