NAFB News Service
It’s no secret to anyone working in equipment manufacturing the ever-growing technician shortage is a problem poised to get a lot worse before it gets better.
According to a 2020 report, the industry may need to fill as many as 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions by 2025.
In addition, the report stated equipment manufacturing possesses a job opening rate three times higher than the national average.
Among survey respondents, 95 percent agreed with the assertion there was a skills gap in the industry, while 89 percent reported a shortage of workers within their companies.
“Equipment manufacturers can and should embrace and adopt a number of short-term and long-term strategies to set themselves up for sustained success as it relates to workforce development,” said Julie Davis, AEM Senior Director of Workforce and Industry Initiatives.
AEM offers four tips to businesses for addressing the shortage: focus on retention, fill the talent pipeline, diversify and optimize recruitment strategies, and collaborate with others.