Hardworking humans have worked alongside robotic arms and automated processes for decades now. However, as government and corporate entities express a growing demand for high-tech manufacturing—and the high level of efficiency, precision, and productivity it entails—the industry is responding in kind by replacing low-skilled manufacturing jobs with modern machinery and a labor force equipped to handle it. To compete in this new wave of manufacturing, hone your technical skills by pursuing higher education, certification, or training.
To survive in a global market where cheap labor is readily available, a new generation of high-tech manufacturing factories and workers is cropping up. Technology isn't a new development, of course, and its impact on the industry is decades old; the past thirty years brought the elimination of nearly seven million manufacturing jobs, and compared to 1998, the manufacturing industry employs fewer workers. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects manufacturing employment to continue trending downward over the next six years. Despite these numbers, the output per worker has more than doubled since the '90s, and much of this boost in productivity can be attributed to manufacturers' increasing reliance on industrial robots and automation.
Recently, President Obama announced plans to allocate $140 million in federal money for the development of two high-tech manufacturing hubs in Detroit and Chicago. Ultimately, these private- and government-backed institutes will develop advanced techniques to streamline manufacturing processes within their fields and bring manufacturing jobs to each region. While these manufacturing jobs require specialized skills beyond the expertise of the traditional factory worker, on-the-job training will be available to help close the knowledge gap.
A number of manufacturers have transitioned to serving advanced industries such as science, technology, and medicine. Instead of focusing on low-end production and cost-cutting measures, they're shifting resources to research and development and higher-paying manufacturing jobs that attract workers with a science education. As the manufacturing industry moves to integrate more innovative technologies on a wider scale, employees capable of operating and overseeing complicated machinery become necessary. Some employers are sending their existing workforce to trade schools and training programs, while others are opting to hire individuals with the necessary qualifications. This trend in manufacturing shows no signs of slowing, and some industry experts believe factories that fail to adapt will be forced to move out of the way for high-tech operators.
US manufacturing firms are experiencing renewed faith in the industry as rapid technological advances enable them to break into more lucrative fields, enhance productivity, and increase sales. As a result, manufacturing jobs that require minimal education and experience are declining. If you want a future in high-tech manufacturing and a chance to compete with the masses of high-skilled workers, consider attending a vocational school or four-year college institution for a relevant degree or certification.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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