In this exclusive op-ed for The Manufacturer, Invest Buffalo Niagara’s Thomas A. Kucharski looks at how the U.S. manufacturing resurgence faces a critical skills gap and highlights Buffalo’s collaborative, industry-aligned workforce training model as a scalable solution for preparing a modern, diverse labor force to sustain industrial growth.
After decades of constant decline, the United States is poised for a groundswell in manufacturing. Massive investments being poured into hot industries such as semiconductors and automotives, a graying workforce, tariff implications and a focus on shortening fragile global supply chains have all led to a reshoring effort that are ready to take deeper root.
However, decades of manufacturing jobs moving overseas have left the U.S. without a ready workforce to carry on the legacy of previous generations. In fact, The Manufacturing Institute estimates the country will need to collectively fill up around four million manufacturing jobs by 2030—and they’re estimating that about half of those will go unfilled, simply because workers aren’t trained to do the jobs.
With that massive shortfall looming over the entire industry, communities need to begin implementing effective workforce training programs to meet this demand. Fortunately, several programs already offer a proven blueprint for how other regions can prepare their local workforces in time to meet the growing demand. Here are the core pillars these successful initiatives have established.
Partner with players in the industry
The first critical step is aligning every aspect of a workforce training program with the real needs of industry—and there’s no better way to do that than by working directly with industry leaders and organizations. Sometimes academia can be disjointed from how the factory line operates, so making sure that industry is woven in closely is imperative.
Buffalo’s Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC) for instance, works closely with power players in the local economy. The program, which seeks to close the skills gap in the local labor pool and create economic on-ramps to employment opportunities in manufacturing was founded in 2018 and is already a steady contributor to the region’s success. Companies that operate in the Buffalo-Niagara region, such as Motivair, Tesla and Moog, actually help to shape the curriculum that’s taught to program participants. These collaborations help to not only make sure relevant skills are taught but also provide a seamless flow from the program into actual internships and jobs with these companies.
Work closely with educational institutions
But industry has to be just one of the levers that effective programs pull on. Working alongside trusted educational institutions can establish a steady flow of talent, as well as provide more advanced education and technical training that can be otherwise provided. By being a conduit for connections between colleges and employers, workforce training programs can create a smooth transition from education, right into the workforce, bridging the jobs gap faster.
In the instance of NWTC, they have partnered with nearby programs, offering one- and two-year certificate and degree programs in collaboration with SUNY Erie and Alfred State College. It also collaborates with other organizations involved in the training, education and employment process, such as Invest Buffalo Niagara, the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance and Workforce Buffalo, and the Western New York Manufacturing Alliance. With the region receiving a federal Tech Hub designation in the semiconductor space, having these sorts of collaborators is even more valuable in new forms of manufacturing.
Adapt to the modern worker
With such a massive shortfall coming in the workforce, it’s imperative employers and trainers look outside of just traditional veins of talent in order to bridge the gap. This also requires creating accessible pathways and offering flexible support to engage nontraditional candidates where they are.
As an example, NWTC has set up support services, such as transportation assistance, childcare, financial literacy, and career coaching. The tangible results help to show the importance of these wraparound supports. NWTC boasts a 62% graduation rate, which is three times higher than the national average for community colleges, and also places 83% of its graduates in manufacturing jobs, generating over $15M in total economic impact as a result. Other programs in the region, such as M&T’s Tech Academy, have shared this approach and have generated thousands of jobs right in the heart of the region as a result.
Next steps
It’s likely that domestic manufacturing will continue to increase considerably in the coming years, especially in fast-growing areas such as semiconductors. But investments into these industries need to be met with investments in upskilling the workforce that’s going to drive it forward.
The Buffalo Niagara region has helped to lay out a blueprint for others through its collaborative network of training programs, industry organizations, educational institutions and more. These collaborations are already meeting increasing needs in manufacturing through community-rooted training, focusing on skills actually needed by employers, and building the network of different groups that play a role in manufacturing workforce success.
The manufacturing challenges of the next decade will be as much about people as they are about production. Programs like the one implemented in Buffalo already provide a practical, scalable, and inclusive model for how American regions can meet that challenge and lead a return to industrial growth.
About the author
Thomas A. Kucharski has served as President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara since 2000. Under his leadership, Invest Buffalo Niagara has grown from a start-up initiative to an innovative regional economic development organization that has secured more than 400 successful project wins representing $6 billion in investment in the region and over 65,000 jobs created and/or retained.
From the onset, Tom helped Invest Buffalo Niagara form strong, enduring partnerships with business, development and academic leaders throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. Learn more at Invest Buffalo Niagara.
Interested in hearing about the latest North American manufacturing news right in your inbox each week?
Sign up to The Manufacturer Digital Briefing – North American Edition