The Fourth Revolution: How is a Skilled Labor Shortage Affecting Manufacturing?

 

Though the unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in recent memory, the skilled labor shortage doesn’t show any signs of letting up. On this episode of The Fourth Revolution by Bartell, host Daniel Litwin sat down with Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York to discuss changing trends in manufacturing, and the ripple effect that’s having on the labor force.

“The availability of labor has really changed the way we look at both how we hire people and how business gets done today,” Wolken said.

Unemployment in the United States is down to 3.6%, which is the lowest level it’s been since 1969. “It’s an exciting time,” Wolken admitted. In the past 10 years, the economy has seen a rising trend in more U.S.-based manufacturing, which is helping drive that low unemployment rate. “But that also means its harder to find people.”

At play in this change is the fourth industrial revolution, being led by automation and efficiency, with more data to analyze. Companies of all sizes are poised to take advantage of this new revolution, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, Wolken said. But the positions that take advantage of these tools are more analytical and require a more experienced skill-set, one that is either phasing out due to an aging workforce or hasn’t had enough time for the workforce to master.

“It comes down to the types of people you have on the team, your ability to implement new technology, take advantage of them, and reach new markets,” Wolken said.

He highlighted the top 10 trends he’s seen in manufacturing, and shares what that means for industry leaders looking to attract more skilled laborers.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

hearing test
Convenient Online Hearing Test from HearUSA Enhances Your Hearing Health Journey
March 11, 2025

Struggling to hear conversations could be more prevalent than you think. As a leader in hearing care, HearUSA offers an easy solution that you can manage from the comfort of your home: the HearUSA Online Hearing Test. Experience the Simplicity This quick, free, and convenient online test is designed to examine your hearing in…

Read More
Lessons from Gen Z: Why Marketers Need to Adapt to Current Digital Trends
Lessons from Gen Z: Why Marketers Need to Adapt to Current Digital Trends
March 7, 2025

On this episode of UGC for B2B, hosts Hunter Lopatin and Jamison Wheeler take over for a special Gen Z edition, breaking down why big brands struggle to embrace user-generated content (UGC) and how the next generation is reshaping the marketing landscape. As a former NCAA athlete and current B2B marketing professional, Jamison shares firsthand…

Read More
Stephanie Simon
Through the Storm with USMC Captain, Professional Boxer, and TrailBlazer, Stephanie Simon
March 7, 2025

Captain Stephanie Simon (USMC) is currently a professional boxer (2-0), a boxing instructor, and a Marine Corps reservist. She is the 2024 Olympic Trials Boxing Champion, 4x Elite National Boxing Champion, 3x National Collegiate Boxing Champion, and United States Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Famer. Stephanie Simon is originally from Atlanta, GA, grew up…

Read More
Lind
The DisruptED World of Manufacturing and Design at Lind with Anders Dellson
March 6, 2025

Electric surfboards are redefining water sports, merging high-performance engineering with artistry in product design. The industry, once niche, is now accelerating thanks to advancements in e-mobility and battery technology. With increasing consumer interest in high-end, sustainable recreational vehicles, companies like Lind are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In fact, Lind’s electric surfboards boast…

Read More