Across the country, manufacturers are sounding the alarm about a labor shortage. But here’s the truth: it’s not just a pipeline problem—it’s a perception crisis.

Too many people still envision factories based on perceptions formed decades ago: dirty and repetitive with limited opportunities for growth. That mental image couldn’t be further from today’s reality.

Modern manufacturing—whether in pharmaceuticals, aviation, aerospace, semiconductors, transportation, or advanced materials—is clean, compliant and tech-enabled. The new “lines” of today require critical thinking, collaboration with intelligent systems, hashtag#robotics fluency, and precision execution.

These are high-skill, high-wage, and high-meaning roles—but we’re still explaining them with outdated language.

⚠️ We’re not facing a lack of interest—we’re facing a lack of awareness.

It’s time for manufacturers to step up and tell a new story about what it means to build something:

1️⃣ Intelligent, cleanroom environments replacing old-school shop floors
2️⃣ Cross-functional roles that blend precision, innovation, and technology
3️⃣ Local production models creating jobs that strengthen communities
4️⃣ Clear pathways to long-term careers—not just entry-level positions

As someone who works at the intersection of talent, technology, and transformation, I believe the companies that rebrand and reintroduce modern manufacturing to the workforce will win—not just in recruiting, but in innovation and long-term growth.

The hashtag#FutureOfManufacturing is being built, right now. And the best manufacturing jobs of the next decade are being created now. But we need to do a better job of telling the story about today’s manufacturing and the viable pathway for careers, for financial stability, for personal growth and for upward mobility.

As I have said many times before, in this new Age of hashtag#AI, soon EVERY job will be a hashtag#techjob.

Let’s make sure that the workforce, particularly hashtag#EarlyTalent, understands that manufacturing roles offer viable career paths that include on-the-job training in tech and AI skills. (and can also lead to the C-Suite.)