The Need for Workers in Manufacturing Grows
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

Over the last few weeks, I have seen a noticeable increase in the number of job openings for skilled positions. The manufacturing economy is recovering, and skilled workers are in demand. Until now, many manufacturers had been holding off to see how the pandemic would unfold. Most manufacturing operations have been open from the beginning. Although most were in a reduced capacity at first. Now, manufacturers have begun to hire again.

This is good news for our community. Our region’s unemployment rate is roughly 12%, which is a significant increase from about 4% at this time last year. Although no one wants to see high unemployment, it does afford companies who are hiring the ability to find talent that otherwise might not have been available. If you are considering hiring, this may be the best time to do so.

Many job seekers will not be able to go back to their former jobs in the foodservice, restaurant, or other service industries. The impact of COVID-19 has severely impacted some companies that will not reopen or will only partially open. This means that individuals may be in a prime position to change careers. Manufacturing jobs are the highest-paid private-sector jobs, and the skills acquired can offer long-term employment. Today’s advanced manufacturing jobs are great jobs for individuals of all ages.

We have seen a steady degree of interest in these high-tech manufacturing jobs. Additional opportunities are likely as companies reshore and shorten their supply chains to better position themselves. Many experts believe the pandemic has significantly changed how both companies and investors view operations far removed from the markets they serve. Resiliency and sustainability are more critical than ever in a healthy manufacturing entity in the post-COVID-19 environment.

If you want to learn more about MACNY’s ability to help you find talent, please contact Laury Ferguson, who leads our Career and Talent Platform effort. This rapidly expanding tool is helping companies and individuals find new careers in manufacturing. Laury can be reached at [email protected].

It’s great to see new activity in manufacturing that is requiring hiring. Industry 4.0 implementation and the resurgence of American Manufacturing bode well for New York State manufacturers’ futures. We are excited to support this effort. We look forward to helping you be successful.