Manufacturing sector needs to change to attract Gen Z workers
Currently, the median age of workers in the manufacturing sector is 44 years old. A labor shortage is bubbling and manufacturers are desperately looking at Generation Z to fill the gap. An aging workforce, a lack of skilled workers, a negative perception of manufacturing jobs, competition from other industries, and changes in the global economy have all played a role in creating this growing problem.
There are several steps that the manufacturing sector can take to attract younger generation Z workers:
Offer competitive pay and benefits: Competitive compensation packages can be very lucrative for attracting younger talent - those who often have many more options available to pursue.
Emphasize training and career development: Many younger workers are looking for opportunities to learn and grow in their careers. Offering training and development programs can help them advance their skills and knowledge.
Highlight the importance of sustainability and social responsibility: Generation Z is known for being socially conscious and environmentally aware, so manufacturing companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility may be more attractive to younger workers.
Use technology to modernize the workplace: Utilizing technology to modernize the workplace can make it more appealing to younger workers.
Create a positive company culture: Younger workers often value positive and inclusive company culture, so manufacturing companies can attract younger workers by creating a culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration and teamwork.
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The growing importance of critical minerals for green energy, defense systems, and high-tech applications, coupled with supply chain vulnerabilities, is driving increased attention to diversify and secure these supply chains.
The global shift towards supply chain localization and reshoring is gaining momentum as geopolitical tensions, trade issues, energy security concerns, and the pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities in the global supply chain system.
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According to the U.S. Fashion Industry Association's latest industry survey, nearly 80% of fashion executives intend to decrease their sourcing from China over the next two years.
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Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 63,095 trucks in the U.S. and Canada due to a potential issue with the windshield wiper motor.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is ahead of its cost-savings schedule, successfully reducing expenses through improved inventory management and demand planning.
Auto parts manufacturer Hota Industrial Manufacturing is planning to invest $72 million in setting up a facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is leading the union with a new, politically savvy strategy in contract negotiations with Detroit automakers.
China's trade outlook is dim as exports experienced a significant drop for the second consecutive month, falling 12.4% in June compared to the previous year.
China's recent decision to impose export controls on gallium and germanium, key metals used in advanced technologies, demonstrates the country's ability to retaliate against the US, Japan, and Europe's efforts to limit China's access to technology.
The Pentagon has started utilizing the $600 million Defense Production Act funding allocated from the $40 billion Ukraine aid package.
Airbus forecasts that over the next 20 years, approximately 40,850 new jets will be delivered by aircraft manufacturers as airlines expand their fleets and replace older planes with more fuel-efficient models, with Asia being a significant driver of this growth.
General Motors (GM) has revealed its plan to invest $632 million in an Indiana plant for the production of the next generation of full-size pickup trucks.
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The Indus Motor Company (IMC) in Pakistan, which manufactures Toyota vehicles, has experienced ongoing production problems due to inventory shortages.
Toyota Indus, a subsidiary of Toyota operating in Pakistan, has announced the complete shutdown of its production plant in Karachi from June 3 to June 8, 2023.
Boeing CEO, Dave Calhoun, expressed frustration with the slow progress in resolving supply chain issues, despite a rebound in airlines' demand for planes.
U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez has introduced the "Port Crane Security & Inspection Act of 2023," a bill that aims to ban Chinese-manufactured cranes from being installed or used at U.S. ports.
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution have announced plans to construct a $4.3 billion electric battery plant as part of Hyundai's new electric vehicle assembly plant in Georgia.
A report by PwC-owned Stretegy& suggests that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries could become manufacturing hubs and attract $300 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) by leveraging their ambitious plans for green energy.
Haulers and vehicle manufacturers anticipate a surge in regulatory demands and anticipate challenges due to a constrained supply of battery-electric trucks.
Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc acknowledges that supply chain disruptions remain a significant operational challenge, echoing concerns expressed by other manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing.
According to research by the Financial Times, investments in US high-tech and clean energy sectors have seen a significant increase in the last three years, with a sharp rise following the Inflation Reduction Act.
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