The manufacturing sector is finally gaining more attention from both the State of Missouri and the federal government. In 2021, Missouri manufacturers accounted for 12.05% of the total output in the state ($41.75 billion), employing 9.52% of the workforce. Missouri is average among the rest of the nation when it comes to manufacturing, as the sector accounted for 12% of the U.S. GDP in 2021 ($2.3 trillion), and 8.5% of the workforce.
A shortage of skilled labor was an issue for manufacturing before the pandemic, and this was only exacerbated by the effects the prolonged lockdown had on our economy and society.
However, organizations at both the state and national level are stepping up to combat this issue with events intended to both raise awareness and increase engagement in the manufacturing workforce.
Missouri manufacturers are encouraged to take part in this year’s Virtual Manufacturing Day, a virtual event that will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM on Friday, October 6 (National Manufacturing Day). The program will showcase manufacturers from around the state. Every 20 minutes, a different manufacturer will Zoom into the program to demonstrate their manufacturing process, products, and career opportunities. Manufacturers can apply to take part in the Virtual Manufacturing Day 2023 program here.
At the national level, the U.S. Department of Labor has established Apprenticeship USA, which will celebrate its 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from November 13 – 19, 2023. This year’s them is “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs,” to reflect the prominence that Registered Apprenticeship has received as a proven and industry-driven training model that expedites the pathway into good jobs and improves diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Manufacturers are encouraged to host their own NAW event, submit an NAW Proclamation, and help the organization spread the word on the efficacy of Registered Apprenticeship. More details as well as a locator to find an NAW event near you can be found here.