Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Caterpillar and other manufacturers face a significant challenge over the next decade – the need to fill 4 million jobs by 2030 – according to a workforce study by The Manufacturing Institute. More than half of those jobs could be left unfilled because of two issues: a skills gap shortage and misperceptions about modern manufacturing. It’s an issue getting a lot of attention, but will require long-term, sustainable actions to create the next generation of manufacturers.

That’s the purpose behind the “Creators Wanted” program, the manufacturing industry’s largest campaign to build the workforce of tomorrow – a joint effort by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and development partner of NAM. The Creators Wanted tour recently made a virtual stop at Caterpillar, showcasing the company’s “creators,” and how we’re building sustainable products and services, and investing in efforts to recruit new talent and showcasing the importance of manufacturing in everyday lives. Resource Industries Group President Denise Johnson sat down with The Manufacturing Institute’s executive director, discussing everything from common misconceptions about manufacturing, to Caterpillar’s community outreach activities, strengthening education opportunities, and her advice to someone thinking about pursuing a career in skilled trades.