With no doubt, today's layered and networked barriers require innovations and solutions motivated by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

But still, it seems so difficult to find a well nurtured STEM talent.

Evaluate this:

As many as 3.5 million STEM related jobs will need to be filled in the United States of America by 2025.

However, the trends for US students focusing in these areas of specialization continue to scale downwards, mostly among women and the so called underserved populations.

It has become so evident now that millions of jobs could soon go vacant. (Source: www.cognizant.com)

The importance of STEM talents cannot be overlooked, as it is essential for reviving and reinforcing the economy and crucial industrial and business enterprises.

And that is why the  scarcity of STEM talents is definitely now a very urgent problem across various functioning sectors.

But one significant industry where the shortage of STEM talent is highly noticeable, and at the same time equally draining, is the Advanced Manufacturing Industry.

The scarcity of STEM talents in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry has hindered the industry's ability to adopt new technology, develop productivity and give space for more innovation.

This article will shed light on some important thesis and ideas on how to bridge the gap of STEM talent in Advanced Manufacturing Industries.

But before we delve into that, it is essential to understand a few causes of the shortage of STEM talent in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry.

 

CAUSES OF STEM TALENT SHORTAGE IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

The stem talent poverty in advanced manufacturing industries is a complex issue with varied causes.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the primary reasons are:

 

1. Lack of education and training in STEM fields.
2. Inadequate workforce development. (Source: Manufacturing institute 2020)
3. Limited diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. (Source: National science foundation, 2020)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the demand for STEM professionals in advanced manufacturing to increase by 14% from 2020 to 2030, quicker than the average for all occupations. (Source: BLS 2020)

However, the accumulation of STEM graduates is not keeping pace with this demand.

According to a report by the Manufacturing Institute, the industry will need to fill 4.6 million jobs by 2028, but 2.4 million of these jobs may be unfilled due to talent scarcity. (Source: Manufacturing Institute 2020)

The statistics provided makes the shortage of STEM talent in advanced manufacturing industries seem like a huge gap to overcome.

But luckily, just like the familiar quote “There is a solution for every problem”, gives us the hope to dream of a future where there are enormous STEM talents in our advanced manufacturing industries.

So, what steps can be taken to bridge the gap of STEM talent in the advanced manufacturing industries?

SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES

To bridge the STEM talent gap, advanced manufacturing industries can implement the following solutions:

 

1. Education And Training: Improved STEM education and training programs such as apprenticeships, internships and vocational training. For example the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) “Dream it. Do it.” Program, enables resources and encouragement for students and educators to promote STEM education.
2. Workforce Development: Developing upskilling and reskilling schemes for existing workers, such as progressive education and professional development opportunities. The Manufacturing Institute’s “Upskilling and Reskilling Report”, provides guidance on implementing these programs. (Source: Manufacturing Institute 2020)
3. Diversity And Inclusion: Attract and sustain underrated groups in STEM fields, such as minorities, women and veterans. Organizations such as The Society Of Women Engineers (SWE) and The National Society Of Black Engineers (NSBE) provide support and resources for unappreciated groups in STEM.
4. Industry And Academia Collaboration: The collaboration of industry and academia can also help by developing curricula, providing internships and creating job opportunities. The National science foundation’s (NSF) “Industry- University Cooperative Research Centers Program”, helps in supporting these partnerships.

 

POLICY AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Government initiatives and policies can also support STEM talent development in advanced manufacturing industries. For example:

 

1. The "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" (WIOA) provides funding for workforce development programs, including those in advanced manufacturing industries (U.S. Department of Labor, 2020).
2. The "Manufacturing Extension Partnership" (MEP) provides resources and support for small and medium-sized manufacturers to adopt new technologies and improve productivity (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2020).

Addressing STEM talent scarcity in advanced manufacturing is a monumental task, but every individual has a crucial brick to add to the building of a stronger future.

From the government's foundation-laying policies to the industry leaders' architectural vision, from the STEM community chairpersons' engineering expertise to the lecturers' master craftsmanship, and from the students' eager apprenticeship to every individual's unique contribution.

We are all essential builders in the construction of a talent-abundant tomorrow. Just as a tree grows strong only when every root digs deep, we must all come together to anchor the roots of innovation. We are the navigators of a brighter future, and every step we take, every brick we lay, counts.

CONCLUSION

The STEM talent scarcity in advanced manufacturing industries is a looming iceberg, threatening to derail the engine of innovation and progress.

It's a puzzle with missing pieces, a recipe with essential ingredients in short supply.

To solve this complex equation, we must identify the root causes, develop a blueprint for solutions, and showcase success stories that inspire and motivate. Industry leaders, policymakers, and educators must join forces like a symphony orchestra, each playing their unique role in harmony to create a masterpiece of talent development and retention.

By working together, we can build a robust pipeline of STEM talent, fueling the growth and innovation of advanced manufacturing industries.

So, what note will you play in this symphony to help address the STEM talent scarcity and ensure a harmonious future for advanced manufacturing?