Building Blocks for Success: Addressing Skill Gaps to Create a High-Impact Manufacturing Workforce

The manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, playing a pivotal role in producing goods and fostering economic growth worldwide. However, there exists a significant skill gap within this crucial sector– gaps that hinder operational efficiency, slow technological adoption, and limit competitiveness. 

In this blog, we’ll understand how organizations can overcome the skills gap and streamline their workforce to ensure smooth operations and growth.

According to a Deloitte study, there is an ongoing projected shortfall of approximately 2.4 million vacant positions between 2018 to 2028 due to the skills gap. This discrepancy in workforce capabilities could lead to a global economic impact of around $2.5 trillion.

Technical expertise, digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability are some of the broad sought-after skills in the manufacturing domain. There is also a growing demand for hiring candidates proficient in lean manufacturing, quality control, robotics and automation, and mechanical skills. 

The aging workforce has intensified the manufacturing skills gap in an industry that thrives on innovation and efficiency. For instance, let us consider digital literacy. As manufacturing integrates technology, more digital skills are needed to adapt to automated systems and modern manufacturing processes seamlessly.

Bridging the manufacturing skills gap requires strategic initiatives to upskill the existing workforce and cultivate a new skilled workforce with technical prowess, digital literacy, adaptability, and problem-solving acumen. 

1. Skill assessment and gap analysis: This strategic approach includes evaluating candidates’ capabilities using skills-based hiring techniques. The primary goal is to match candidates’ proficiencies with job prerequisites before onboarding them to avoid mismatched hires. By doing so, organizations can cultivate a workforce that is not only well-matched but also equipped with the necessary skills for success.
2. Upskilling and reskilling: The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, around 50% of the workforce will need to be reskilled due to the growing use of new technologies. It is important for manufacturing companies to curate training programs that ensure that their existing workforce remains resilient and productive in this fast-changing business environment.
3. Collaboration with industry associations: It involves partnering with industry associations (e.g., manufacturing associations and trade unions) to exchange insights, trends, and practices that will shape the industry. This collaborative effort helps frame more suitable hiring strategies and sourcing skilled candidates, as associations usually have access to an industry-specific talent pool.
4. Apprenticeship and internship programs: Such programs directly address skill gap issues by offering practical, industry-relevant training. They provide hands-on experience, allowing participants to acquire the specific skills and knowledge required in manufacturing roles. Through mentorship and exposure to real-world challenges, participants bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, making them better prepared to contribute effectively to the workforce.
5. Leadership development: Leadership development equips supervisors and managers with essential skills to bridge skill gaps in the manufacturing workforce. Influential leaders can identify employees’ needs, allocate resources for training, and mentor teams. Modern manufacturing requires adaptive leadership that fosters innovation and collaboration, ensuring skill development initiatives are aligned with industry trends and optimizing workforce productivity and expertise.

As India’s leading digital hiring platform, Taggd has built a vast network of recruiters with extensive experience in manufacturing workforce recruitment. Our team has effectively managed impactful hiring and workforce planning for various Indian companies, including companies from the manufacturing sector.

We have an established track record in targeted hiring, which, coupled with our emphasis on leveraging data-driven insights, helps us in proactively identifying and addressing skill gaps for our clients. 

Bridging skill gaps is pivotal in the ever-evolving manufacturing arena. Our comprehensive approach, encompassing targeted sourcing, data-driven insights, educational partnerships, and a pre-screened talent pool, offers our clients a skilled and adaptable workforce. 

To explore how Taggd can enhance and empower your manufacturing workforce, please contact us at contact@taggd.in!