Insights

Americans and Advanced Technology

The US Navy has planned to build 12 state-of-the-art nuclear submarines, with the first projected to be ready by 2027. However, they lack an estimated 50,000 personnel with the necessary skills to build the submarines, a dependable supply chain, and the infrastructure to construct such colossal vessels.

Throughout the US, businesses are encountering massive disruptions in their supply chains, difficulties finding workers, and a lack of suitable locations for facilities due to years of transferring production overseas and cutting investment in research, education, and skill development.

The textile industry suffers from a 20% worker shortage, and the metal fabrication sector is expected to have a 400,000 worker shortfall by 2024. The US has seen a one-third reduction in manufacturing jobs in the first ten years of the 21st century, falling from 17 million in 2000 to below 12 million in 2010. A workforce proficient in designing, making, and using new and future machine tools is essential for the United States to have enough skilled employees.

Today's machines are much different than those of the past. They are connected to increase dependability and gather data. They can be programmed for automation and can form metal alloys and composite materials into essential products like medical implants, engines, and molds for plastic items.

A Change in Fortune

People in the US are accustomed to having goods and services instantly available - a society known as postindustrial and being dependent on knowledge. However, the difficulties in the supply chain due to the pandemic have highlighted the risks of relying on foreign goods and materials, from semiconductors to vehicle components.

The US was once renowned for making machines, like lathes and mills, tools used in cutting, shaping, and finishing. These tools are the foundation for producing parts for the automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, and consumer goods industries.

Nevertheless, access to tools is merely one part of the issue. Workers must be educated and trained to use the latest machines and technology.

An understanding of concepts such as mathematics and physics is needed to use these types of machines efficiently. Community colleges, technical schools, and universities have options for those wanting to pursue a career in manufacturing.

After successfully completing training, skilled employees can work in roles such as machine operators, programmers, data scientists, manufacturing engineers, and machine designers or become business owners.

A stronger K-12 education system focusing on STEM is crucial for developing a more proficient manufacturing workforce. Moreover, all students should be offered vocational programs and apprenticeships.

In comparison to other countries, the US is lacking in STEM education. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the US is seventh in science and 25th in mathematics literacy compared to other countries such as Japan, South Korea, Estonia, and the Netherlands.

Measures in motion

Some measures are being taken to prepare the workforce adequately. For example, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), STEM For All Foundation, and Next Wave STEM have taken the initiative to ensure access to STEM education programs for students from all backgrounds to create a new generation of qualified workers.

The Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program from the Office of Industrial Policy supports America's Cutting Edge, a national machine tool technology growth and improvement program. This initiative provides free online and in-person instruction in machining and measurement.

For over 3,500 students across the United States, America's Cutting Edge has been the go-to source of online training. In addition, the organization has branched out from its Tennessee home base to Texas, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Florida, offering in-person machining boot camps. With ambitions to reach a nationwide audience, the future looks bright for the organization.

The boot camp cannot replace an apprenticeship or educational program. However, it does offer those involved an introduction to the basic principles of machining, giving them the ability to make informed decisions on their future learning and profession.

The manufacturing industry is currently fiercely competing to recruit talent in all areas. The US will risk compromising its future security and economic stability if immediate action is not taken. Hopefully, the skills shortage will be addressed before it is too late for the US.