As we prepare for FABTECH 2024, the conversation around workforce development has never been more critical. Metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing are evolving and seeking to advance technology, automation, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. But as these processes continue to change, the demand for highly skilled professionals to keep pace with these innovations is more pressing than ever.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Today’s manufacturing landscape faces a significant skills gap, and the metal fabrication sector is no exception. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the manufacturing industry is projected to lose approximately 2.1 million workers by 2030 due to retirements and insufficient recruitment of younger talent. The welding profession alone is expected to need 330,000 new welding professionals by 2028. Over 200,000 job openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. This gap presents a dual challenge: retaining the industry’s wealth of experience while attracting a new generation who possess the technical skills and adaptability to thrive in a modern manufacturing environment.
Workforce development is key to addressing this challenge. It's about creating pathways for individuals to enter and advance in these fields through education, hands-on training, and continuous learning opportunities. Programs that blend traditional craftsmanship with emerging technologies like automation and additive manufacturing can empower professionals to meet the changing demands of the industry.
Supporting a Lifelong Learning Culture
Fabrication, welding, and metal forming are no longer static where skills learned early in one’s career can carry through to retirement. The pace of technological change means that continuous learning and development are now essential components of career success. Workforce development initiatives must emphasize the importance of continuous learning, offering opportunities for upskilling and reskilling throughout an individual’s career.
At FABTECH 2024, professionals will have the chance to engage with the latest advancements, learn about industry developments and discover new industry solutions designed to enhance their expertise. It’s important to not only master the technical skills required to program, operate, and maintain modern machinery, but also the soft skills to succeed in today’s team-based, collaborative manufacturing environments.
Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion
As we work to build a future workforce, it’s important to foster diversity and inclusion within the metalworking and fabrication sectors. Historically underrepresented groups, including women and people of color, must be empowered with the resources and opportunities to pursue rewarding careers as metal fabricators, welders, etc. Initiatives that promote diversity are vital to broadening the talent pool and ensuring that the industry benefits from a variety of perspectives and ideas.
FABTECH 2024 serves as an excellent platform to highlight these efforts, providing a space for thought leaders and professionals to share strategies for building inclusive workplaces that reflect the diversity of our communities.
Don’t miss the Women of FABTECH Breakfast and Keynote: “Empowering Voices: Charting a Path for Aspiring Women Leaders” on Oct. 16 from 7-8:30 a.m.
The Role of Collaboration
Workforce development requires a collaborative approach between industry leaders, educators, government entities, and professional organizations. Programs like apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with technical schools and community colleges are essential to preparing the next generation of individuals in metalworking. At the same time, the current workforce plays a crucial role in mentoring and guiding these new professionals.
Through partnerships and collaboration, we can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. FABTECH 2024 offers a unique opportunity for these stakeholders to come together, share best practices, and develop strategies that will shape the future of the workforce.
As we look to the future, the importance of workforce development cannot be overstated. The professionals who form, fabricate, weld, and finish the metals that drive countless industries are key to manufacturing. Ensuring that they are equipped with the right skills and knowledge is critical to the success of our sector and the economy as a whole.
Let’s continue to invest in our future industry leaders, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed today and tomorrow.
Jeannine Kunz is the Chief Workforce Development Officer at SME, the nonprofit association committed to advancing the widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and developing North America’s talent and capabilities. Register for the Conference at FABTECH 2024 to attend “It’s a Lack of Workforce Readiness that is Holding Manufacturing Back, Building a Talent Plan for the Future” on Oct. 15 from 10-11 a.m.