So Many US Manufacturing Jobs, So Few Skilled Workers

A disconnect hampers US economic recovery: Manufacturing plants based in the US struggle to fill jobs, even with 14 million Americans searching for work. American students prefer studies in the social sciences, arts and business. Math, engineering, technology and computer science degrees account for less than 10 percent of college diplomas. For jobs that don’t require degrees, vocational technical programs are outdated, and students often require additional training. “Manufacturing lost its appeal during the 1990s when companies started moving production to Asian countries like China, in search of cheap labor,” writes Lucia Mutikani for Reuters. “But rising wages in China are forcing some companies to bring production back home.” It can take months for manufacturers to fill positions, and US corporate leaders are pressing Congress to lift immigration quotas for skilled workers. A downturn in the housing market has also complicated relocation for willing workers. For now, manufacturers are targeting and training veterans. – YaleGlobal