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In the wake of significant challenges, including the loss of about 1.4 million manufacturing jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry was already facing a potential labor crisis. A study by the Manufacturing Institute (MI) projected a shortage of 2.1 million skilled labor jobs by 2030. As the pandemic emergency subsides, the manufacturing industry is in urgent need of highly skilled workers.
Furthermore, recent data from the Census Bureau's Job-to-Job (J2J) Flows Explorer revealed an encouraging trend: the number of workers from various racial backgrounds, including Black or African-American and Asian alone, changing jobs to enter manufacturing increased from 2019 to 2022. This highlights a growing awareness of the industry's potential for growth and opportunity.
The MI study underscored the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in influencing workforce trends, ultimately aiding manufacturers in filling these vacant positions. Diversifying the manufacturing workforce is not only a priority but a necessity, as the industry embraces the role of diversity in shaping its employment landscape.
Workforce Hope: Bridging the Skilled Labor Gap
In Workforce Hope, we are dedicated to addressing labor shortages in specific industries across the United States and Canada. We play a vital role in this narrative by focusing on industries such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. We are actively engaged in recruiting and curating a robust candidate pool for each sector. This approach enables us to present well-suited profiles to employers, connecting them with highly skilled and diverse candidates to fulfill the industry's needs.
Empowering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In Workforce Hope we take our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously. We ensure that the legal migration of the candidates we match is a priority. By doing so, we not only support diverse talent but also ensure that the hiring process is fair and just, addressing labor shortages by connecting employers with highly skilled individuals from various racial backgrounds, including Mexican and other Latinoamerican nationalities.
The Impact on Ownership
Diversity is not limited to the workforce but extends to ownership as well. According to the 2021 Annual Business Survey (ABS), women now own 36,453 of the 240,194 employer firms in the Manufacturing Sector in the United States. Moreover, 34,452 of these firms are co-owned by both women and men, with equal shares of ownership. This highlights the growing presence of women in the manufacturing sector.
A Promising Rise in Minority-Owned Firms
The growth in minority-owned employer firms is another remarkable development. In 2020, there were 23,911 such businesses, with 3,402 being equally owned by minorities and non-minorities. This includes 10,988 Hispanic-owned firms, 1,557 Black or African American-owned firms, and 10,456 Asian-owned firms.
Supporting Diversity in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are actively taking steps to attract a more diverse workforce. Organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) are leading the way. NAM's annual STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate women's achievements in science, technology, engineering, and production (STEP), shining a spotlight on women's leadership and contributions within the manufacturing sector.
As we celebrate the progress in the manufacturing industry, it is evident that Workforce Hope, with its expertise in addressing labor shortages, is a crucial partner in achieving these positive changes. Together, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives aimed at diversifying the workforce, promoting inclusivity, and acknowledging the accomplishments of individuals from all backgrounds. The manufacturing industry's future is undoubtedly brighter and more innovative, with diversity and inclusivity as the driving forces behind ongoing success.
Together, we can champion diversity and make a meaningful difference!
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