There is an issue in the manufacturing industry.
There will be 17,000 manufacturing jobs open by 2020 according to Insyte Consulting of Buffalo. That sounds like a good thing, but younger generations aren't applying for those positions, which is leaving a looming gap in the workforce population. That's why industry professionals are trying to inject some life into manufacturing.
"Strength of a state. Strength of a country is all based upon how vibrant the manufacturing sector is because it creates wealth across the whole economy," Bob Confer, the president of Confer Plastics, said.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average entry-level pay for electricians, HVAC technicians, and elevator mechanics is around $45,000. This kind of salary is what manufacturers hope will get the attention of this years' graduating high school seniors.
"It provides a well paying good job for people to support their families and provide for themselves," Rick Workman, the president of Southside Precast, said.
Regardless of the new demand for workers, Workman said these sorts of jobs are always open.
"The trades, and the craftsmanship, the artisan work, the carpentry work, you know, that is always going to be in demand," he said.
Adecco USA, a staffing solution company, estimates there will be millions of vacant skilled trade jobs in the US in the next few years. That's why manufacturers are making a push to find new employees.
