We have written about this previously, and the skills gap is getting wider by the day.  For Wisconsin particularly, this is emphasized by the mix of manufacturing that we have in our economy (about twice the US average of Manufacturing per capita).  As manufacturing continues to move back to the US and as the Baby Boom generation retires, THE GAP will have to be filled by younger skilled workers and automation.

THE BAD NEWS is that many of our young people are not aware of the opportunities and the potential.  If they do not pursue college, they are left to fend for themselves not always aware of what is available to them.  We who manufacture suffer the shortage and struggle to keep things growing.  We will have to tell them.

THE GOOD NEWS is that the wages paid for skilled manufacturing positions are nearly twice that of what most  jobs created (in the last couple of years) pay.  And, they continue to get more plentiful.

The article below appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and is a great analysis of the Wisconsin economy and the opportunities.  This needs to be read by high school students and by high school counselors as well as background to additional career opportunities that are going to continue to grow for many years.

Good Careers in Manufacturing  --------->   WHERE THE GOOD JOBS ARE & WILL BE

                                                                                                           (CLICK LINK)

Let us know you think.

Eric Wentz

e.wentz@betterbydesign.com   

     we make stuff  that makes stuff

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