As of March 2022 , the U . S . economy had two positions open for every one worker looking to be hired , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey . Workers engaged in durable goods manufacturing had the second highest quit rate — with 22,000 workers leaving their employers in the previous month — according to the same report .
A recent survey of The Association of Washington Business members found that 80 percent of manufacturers are having trouble finding enough workers to meet demand . Sixty percent of the manufacturers surveyed report a lack of qualified workers as their biggest challenge .
“ Like so many things , the pandemic served to exacerbate workforce challenges , making it more important than ever that employers , educators , and state officials work together to inspire young people to pursue manufacturing careers and ensure they receive the education they need to enter the workforce ,” said Kristofer Johnson , AWB president and CEO .
To help support these crucial industry sectors , the Aerospace Futures Alliance has joined with the AWBI Institute and Career Connect Washington to host a summit on aerospace and manufacturing workforce issues in Seattle on June 28 at the Museum of Flight .
The Workforce Summit will bring together employers to discuss the most pressing needs facing their industry when it comes to workforce , and how best to connect and collaborate with educational partners to ensure strong career pathways for young people into these high-wage , high-growth careers .
Agenda Topics Include :
• Employer Survey Results - data on hiring and needs
• Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck - ECONorthwest Report
• Discussions between state and national business leaders about how Washington ’ s workforce needs compare to the rest of the country
• Employer and educator interactive breakout sessions
• Future of Aerospace and Manufacturing in Washington - where the industries are heading and how to best prepare
• Business-to-business regional partnership building and networking
Partners from the aerospace and manufacturing industry are urgently invited to attend – including employers , educators , trainers , and workers ! Registration is open throughout the month of June . Register today at http :// www . afa-wa . com / meetingsand-events or scan the QR code :
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