Beyond Reskilling

Issue 8.08

February 25, 2022

President's Message

Manufacturing and making "stuff" has always been cool. For years, our economy lost manufacturers to relocation and to places where the cost of production was inexpensive. ... Although Delaware has lost some of its better-known manufacturing “brands” like Chrysler and General Motors, we’ve experienced steady growth in this sector amongst smaller or mid-sized manufacturers. Read more >

Employers are experiencing all-time vacancy highs. At the same time, unemployment is not yet back to pre-pandemic numbers. So, where did all the workers go? Our panel will hold a candid conversation on the real labor challenges manufacturers are experiencing and the factors contributing to the mismatch—here in Delaware and across the country.

Join us on March 16 >

CREATING PATHWAYS FOR TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE TODAY

BEYOND RESKILLING IN MANUFACTURING

One of the top challenges manufacturers face today remains the skills gap in US manufacturing. In 2018, [Deloitte's] headline was “The jobs are here, where are the people?” That was in the context of historically low unemployment rates. Fast forward three years and, amid a global pandemic and the first US recession in more than a decade, it would appear the same headline stands.

The manufacturing skills gap in the U.S. could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the NAM. The cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone.

This report highlights some key findings from the 2021 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute Manufacturing Talent study, including:

The pace of digital transformation in the manufacturing industry will likely continue to redefine work for humans.
The economic impact of protracted job openings in manufacturing is significant.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an imperative for manufacturers.
Manufacturers should create pathways to tomorrow's jobs today.

Download the report >

77%

of manufacturers say they will have ongoing difficulties in attracting & retaining workers in 2021 & beyond

2.1M

unfilled jobs are expected

in US manufacturing by 2030

DELAWARE WILL BE A MAJORITY-MINORITY STATE BY MID-CENTURY

ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO BUILD

A MORE DIVERSE WORKFORCE?

The sun will rise one day in 2044—no one knows the exact date—and according to researchers at the Center for American Progress, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Brookings Institution, Delaware will be a majority-minority state. And by 2060, USA Today predicts that New Castle County will be one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties in America.

For Delaware’s business community, the challenge is not, “Are we ready to compete in this new future?” The real challenge is, “Are we doing enough, fast enough, to prepare our workforce?” Read more >

Delivering Through Diversity

There is no question that a diverse workplace is not only the right thing to do but also

the smart thing. Diversity and inclusion is a competitive advantage when attracting talent, it creates a more productive workforce, fosters creativity and innovation, and generates economic prosperity for all.

DIVERSIFYING YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

To remain relevant in an increasingly competitive global business market, customers and clients will require diverse and robust supply chain options. Now is the time to make a commitment to investing in diverse suppliers—business enterprises owned and controlled by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with a disability. Read more >

TOGETHER, WE ARE

STRONGER

We’ve learned many things from the events over the past two years. Our experiences have shined a bright light on unique challenges as well as extraordinary opportunities facing Delaware’s minority-owned businesses. ... There is hope in

the form of support and resources at

that are becoming available in Delaware. Read more >

FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Innovation at its core, is only successful when supported by breakthrough ideas. But how can companies cultivate innovation? With no shortage of challenges spurred by the pandemic

and uncertainties about what is to come, the answer lies—perhaps now more

than ever—with our people. Read more >

DIVERSE SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: TECHNICAL BROADCAST SOLUTIONS, INC.

Every single day, telecommunications

drive forth business efforts

stretched across all reaches of the

planet. Learn about our Diverse

Supplier spotlight, Technical

Broadcast Solutions, Inc., a

Veteran-Owned Business in Dover.