Where Could Reshoring Manufacturers Find Workers?

In recent decades, manufacturing employment has fallen dramatically in the United States even as it has expanded globally. Policymakers have focused on trying to rebuild America's manufacturing base through initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act and new tariff policies. But a crucial question remains: Who will fill these jobs if manufacturing returns to the United States? This Fed Talk will dive into research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland that addresses this issue.

Our discussion will highlight pools of potential manufacturing workers, including:

• Workers who could transition to manufacturing from lower-paying industries such as retail and food service

• Young people entering the workforce who could begin careers in manufacturing

• Working-age adults not currently in school or the workforce

Panelists will also explore which regions of the country have existing manufacturing clusters, where manufacturing employment has grown recently, and which areas have the strongest potential for workforce expansion. The discussion could help employers, workforce development professionals, and educators prepare for potential reshoring of manufacturing jobs by creating pathways to help people start manufacturing careers.

One panelist, Lorain County Community College will share information about how they are using earn and learn models - including Registered Apprenticeship - to address this skills gap.