Summary
– Electric vehicles are becoming a key part of Michigan’s manufacturing sector, but face technology barriers and skill shortages hindering full transition from gas-powered cars
– Panel at Detroit Regional Chamber’s conference emphasized the need for education and training from kindergarten to college to prepare future workforce for modern manufacturing
– Importance of finding and retaining manufacturing workers, with a focus on access to talent and changing perceptions about manufacturing careers
– Addressing challenges by providing educational programs in schools, connecting with colleges and high schools, and reskilling current workforce
– Emphasizing the need for diverse talent, including women and workers without high school diplomas, as well as investing in new technologies for EVs and modern products to stay competitive in the industry
Article
Electric vehicles are becoming a crucial part of Michigan’s manufacturing sector, but there are technology barriers and skill shortages hindering the transition away from gas-powered cars. A panel of experts at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference emphasized the need for investment in training and educating the future workforce, starting from kindergarten through college. The panel included U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, SME Chief Workforce Development Officer Jeannine Kunz, and Ford Motor Co.’s manager of workforce development, Ann Thompson. They discussed the challenges and solutions to finding and retaining manufacturing workers, highlighting the importance of access to talent for Michigan to remain competitive in the EV market.
Perceptions of manufacturing as a career choice have made it challenging to recruit young people, according to Kunz. Early education tours and teaching about manufacturing could shift this perspective and make it a viable career option. Thompson emphasized the importance of providing access to manufacturing plants for high school students to help them explore potential career paths. Connecting with colleges, high schools, and other educational pipelines is now crucial to finding and training employees with the necessary skills for working in an EV plant.
One of the primary concerns with the transition to EV vehicles is that previous manufacturing skills may not be transferable to the new processes. Thompson suggested increased training internally and externally to help people adapt to the new skills required in EV manufacturing plants. The panel also discussed the importance of finding diverse talent, such as women, to meet the needs of the evolving EV industry. Reforming immigration policies to attract talented workers from around the world was also mentioned as a strategy to maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
Stevens emphasized the importance of investing in schools to support educational programs and pay teachers, addressing one of the key challenges associated with the transition to EVs. Thompson highlighted the need to upskill and reskill the existing workforce to ensure continued employment in the manufacturing industry. Expanding eligibility for employment by considering individuals without a high school diploma was mentioned as a potential strategy to address workforce shortages. Providing opportunities in manufacturing to high school students could also motivate them to complete their education.
Once employers find talent, the challenge becomes retaining them. Kunz stressed the importance of training workers and offering benefits like increased flexibility. Stevens supported the idea of policymakers ensuring benefits such as paid leave and childcare were available for workers. In addition to investing in the workforce, manufacturers will also need to invest in new technologies for EVs and other modern products, such as semiconductors. Federal funding mechanisms like the Inflation Reduction Act have been made available to help businesses and local communities adapt to the rapid transformation of technology and skills required in the manufacturing industry.
Despite the challenges and barriers to transitioning to EV manufacturing, the panelists expressed optimism about the potential for growth and innovation in Michigan’s manufacturing sector. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions to address the skill shortages and technology barriers hindering the transition to electric vehicles. By investing in education, training programs, and new technologies, Michigan can position itself as a leader in the EV market and ensure a sustainable future for its manufacturing workforce.
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