MN Has A Shortage of Skilled Manufacturing Workers. Maybe That's a Good Problem To Have

ST. PAUL, MN - "Nearly half of Minnesota manufacturers responding to a survey say they haven't filled positions because they lack qualified job candidates, according to a new study by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

"State manufacturers have openings, but Minnesotans who are looking for work often don't have the right skills to fill them," said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. "As we observe Minnesota Manufacturers Week, it's a good time to stress the importance of aligning manufacturers' needs with workforce training."

The biggest shortages were found in skilled production (58 percent of those responding), followed by jobs for scientists and engineers (40 percent of respondents). Shortages were not as severe for jobs in low-skilled production, management and administration, and customer service."

MP: With more and more manufacturing production returning to the U.S. through "reshoring," it's possible we'll see more of these shortages of skilled manufacturing workers, and maybe that's a good problem to have.  It will certainly create lots of opportunities for community colleges and other programs to provide the necessary worker training, and lots of opportunities for Americans to pursue careers in manufacturing during the pending "renaissance of U.S. manufacturing."