U.S. manufacturers report difficulties finding workers with the skills and experience they need. A common response is that workers need more “advanced manufacturing” skills to match the latest production technologies. But more skills alone will not solve the deeper challenges that American manufacturers face.
In this study, we focus on workforce and acquisition policies that can deliver that change. The recommended policies fall in three categories: (i) stimulating demand for skilled workers, (ii) delivering training through partnerships and platforms, and (iii) developing new content and credentials. We propose a new Manufacturing Academy to put the recommendations of this study into action, coordinating and building on the existing workforce activities of the Manufacturing Innovation Institutes.