Job Shock & Manufacturing Jobs

WHAT TO EXPECT

On the brink of a Fourth Industrial Revolution with a skillset deficient workforce, a devastating “Job Shock” is in the foreseeable future. Today we explore the impact of technological revolution, labor market disruption, and learning gaps on the U.S. manufacturing workforce. Renowned labor economist and 20X author Edward Gordon delves into the possibilities of this manufacturing employment meltdown- and what can be done to mitigate it.

“People need to learn how to learn in elementary and high school so that you can build specific career skills on top of it in post-secondary education and training.” [10:40]

“…Computer Assisted Manufacturing, that’s what it’s all about, and that’s gonna grow.” [14:33]

“Innovation is not just about the technology, it’s about the people behind the technology.” [14:55]

“We have a workforce that’s turning into a bunch of “technopeasants” because they don’t have the education to do the critical thinking.” [19:18]

Learning Gaps and Deficiencies in the U.S. Workforce [8:30]

“People need to learn how to learn in elementary and high school so that you can build specific career skills on top of it in post-secondary education and training.” [10:40]

9:00 The Covid-19 pandemic is producing a future workforce, or perhaps more accurately the lack thereof, that will cause hundreds of millions of dollars loss in GDP. Not only are children facing a learning gap, but companies are cutting back significantly on training. A metaphor for this situation would be two oars rowing a boat. The boat carries the talent. One oar represents the initial, early education of children, the other represents continued lifelong learning of the workforce within businesses. Are these oars both rowing in the same direction and going forward today? The simple fact that we have to ask the question is not an encouraging sign. 

Job Opportunity in Manufacturing [12:18]

“…Computer Assisted Manufacturing, that’s what it’s all about, and that’s gonna grow.” [14:33]

The COVID-19 crisis and movement to raise the minimum wage are spurring the adoption of increased automation and robotics within manufacturing companies in order to hire fewer employees. However, high-tech manufacturing is facing a shortage of employees as a greater need grows for employees with the skills to use computerized machines and collaborate on teams. In addition, we need technicians to maintain and repair automation. There is a foreseeable increased job opportunity in computer-assisted manufacturing; after all, humans are required to problem solve and innovate new technology.

Innovation and Its Necessity in The Future of Manufacturing [14:55]

“Innovation is not just about the technology, it’s about the people behind the technology.” [14:55]

Rigidness (or what Ira calls “anti-fragility”) inhibits innovation and makes for fragile organizations that have difficulty responding to crisis. The world of manufacturing inherently has a past history of rigidness with emphasis on practices such as total quality management, Six Sigma, zero defect, and the like. A change in culture, however, will empower the workforce to embrace experimentation, learn new ways, unlearn possibly harmful or ineffective old methods, and optimize mistakes. This will lead to resilience, innovation and ultimately growth.

Where Are We Headed From Here? [17:25] 

“We have a workforce that’s turning into a bunch of “technopeasants” because they don’t have the education to do the critical thinking.” [19:18]

With companies like GMC and Tesla, the manufacturing of electric cars is likely to create new jobs and eliminate old ones. Different technology calls for different types of jobs. And different jobs require different and more advanced skills. 

There is advocacy that these jobs should be exclusive to Americans, but there are not enough U.S. citizens with the skills to perform or even train for these jobs. It is easier for businesses to leave the U.S. or outsource rather than invest in further education of American employees. Companies that have invested in training and education, such as Boeing, have discovered a lack of young people with the capabilities to complete this training. 

The current situation presents an immense opportunity for schools, parents, and communities to teach their kids how to think, learn, and problem-solve while simultaneously recognizing their child’s skill set and analyzing the job outlook of possible industries. 

WHERE TO WATCH OR LISTEN

The Geeks, Geezers & Googlization TV Show is live every Wednesday at 1 PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, Talk 4 TV, and broadcast on W4CY Radio, part of Talk 4 Radio on the Talk 4 Media Network.  The podcast is also available on Talk 4 Podcasting.

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