FAQs

There is a shortage of workers in certain manufacturing occupations due to an aging workforce and a shift in skill requirements due to automation. There is increasing demand for certain manufacturing occupations, including welders, machinery mechanics, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine operators and programmers, These professions in particular are in demand as manufacturing automation increases and licensed professionals like welders are aging out of the workforce. The shortage of people that can teach manufacturing skills is compounding this challenge. Source

According to the Illinois Manufacturers' Association 2022 report, Manufacturing Matters, the average annual wage per manufacturing worker is $79,409.

Certainly not. Manufacturing jobs are skilled, with high wages, and with a wage premium of 11.7% over the average job in Illinois. Manufacturing occupations are expected to see the largest job growth compared to all other occupations. The majority of positions within manufacturing (73%) will continue to require a high school diploma or less. Whle 37% of in-demand manufacturing occupations require some form of post-secondary education, the most in-demand occupations within manufacturing typically require between just one and six months of on-the-job training. Source

Manufacturers have one of the highest percentages of workers who are eligible for health benefits provided by their employer. Indeed, 91% of manufacturing employees were eligible for health insurance benefits in 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This is significantly higher than the 78% average for all firms. Of those who are eligible, 81% participate in their employer’s plans (i.e., the take-up rate). State and local government (89%), transportation, communications and utilities (85%) and finance (83%) had higher take-up rates in 2022. Meanwhile, the average annual cost of a family health care plan for a family of four in manufacturing was $21,852 in 2022. Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

Over the next decade, 4 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed, and 2.1 million are expected to go unfilled if we do not inspire more people to pursue modern manufacturing careers. Moreover, according to a recent report, the cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone. Source: Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute

It all depends on the role, but there are lots of routes into modern manufacturing. Some require a college degree, while others involve on-the-job training or apprenticeships for kids coming out of high school or with a few years of community college.

What sets manufacturing apart from many other sectors of the economy is the commitment to lifelong training and education. The teaching you get in the first few years of your career is designed to build on the foundations of what you learned at high school or college.rees if they’re related to the job.

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A two-year technical college program can be a great start. Machine technology or engineering-related is a great place to start and getting certifications from NIMS, MMSC, and other professional organizations are highly recommended. Most technical training will be part of the on-the-job apprenticeship program. A good foundation in math, shop, and drafting (computer programming), will be helpful. Source

​Good attitude and work ethic, a willingness to learn from others, mechanical aptitude, computer skills, and the ability to focus. Source

Apprenticeship opportunities are growing. With a 3-5 year commitment by a student and an employer, it is essential to try out the field first with an internship through your high school or a part-time or summer job. Check with your school or area manufacturing associations for career fairs and career nights leading to 'trial' employment opportunities. Check out the RESOURCES information on this website for more detailed information? Source