Manufacturing Jobs Continue to Evolve

Manufacturing Jobs Continue to Evolve

Over the last decade or two across the industry with the rise in automation, a misconception has grown around the direction manufacturing jobs are headed. While it’s true that the days of building products manually are just about dead, manufacturing jobs themselves are far from it.

In fact, they’re not only requiring a higher skill level than before, but they also pay well, with the national average advanced manufacturing salary at $84,832 ($100,060 in California). President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Jay Timmons predicted earlier this year that over the next decade or so 2 million jobs will go unfilled due to lack of skilled labor.

All of this comes as a result of increased use of automation and machine learning in the manufacturing workplace, which may sound like a threat to jobs rather than an opportunity to create more. The reality is that in the future humans are going to be working right alongside these robots. Someone must build, program, and monitor the machines, plus inspect the product that they output.

Technology has already forced companies to evolve, but not at the expense of human employment. For instance, Amazon uses robots in fulfillment centers to increase efficiency, while Walmart uses shelf-scanners to allow employees to focus on customer service.

Santa Clarita Valley itself is home to many companies in the advanced manufacturing cluster, ranging from 3D printing and drumheads, to aerospace and chocolate, thanks in large part to the customized workforce training available and amount of industrial and commercial property. Many of these companies will be joining us on October 4thand 5th to celebrate MFG Day to shed some light on the industry through their own experience.

If you’re ready to take your advanced manufacturing and technology business to the next level and join some of the top companies in the industry, we’ve compiled the top resources for growing here in California. Learn more about:

• 5 Top Challenges in Manufacturing (and how they can become opportunities)
• California Resources and Incentives (to help manufacturing companies succeed)
• 6 Key Factors to Consider when Selecting the Right Location (that suits your short-term and long-term needs)

To learn more visit our Advanced Manufacturing page.

Download your FREE copy of Strategic Methods to Accelerate Your Manufacturing Business in California TODAY!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is a unique private / public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources.