How Congress Can Tackle The Manufacturing Industry Jobs Gap

According to a recent study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, which is the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the manufacturing industry is likely to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.

This jobs gap can be erased, the institute says, by ensuring every student graduates from high school with the preparation they need to take the next step; reducing barriers to postsecondary education and skills development; creating pathways to good jobs and lifelong learning; creating partnerships between post-secondary institutions and employers; and supporting a range of high-quality education and training models.

That’s why federal lawmakers should:

• Expand Pell Grants to include short-term education models and skills training;
• Invest in apprenticeship and earn-and-learn programs;
• Promote attainment of industry-based credentials as a way to complete community and technical colleges;
• Increase the amount of tax-exempt educational assistance employers can provide;
• Prioritize employer leadership in federal discretionary grant competitions; and
• Reform federal work study programs to highlight career-focused skills.

Want to make your voice heard on these matters? The National Skills Coalition operates an action center that calls for Congress to take action on issues like expanding Pell Grants. Visit them here.