The Automate 2019 Show and Conference is hosting its first Automation Works! day to help exhibitors identify potential employees to combat an unprecedented workforce shortfall and skills gap in manufacturing. Activities on April 11, the last day of the event, will include theater sessions focused on working in automation, culminating in a networking session from 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., for job seekers to connect with exhibitors who are specifically looking for new employees. Registration for the show floor and the Automation Works! day activities is free.
According to a recent study by Deloitte (News - Alert) and The Manufacturing Institute, more than 2.4 million jobs are expected to remain unfilled in the manufacturing space by 2028. In addition, 80 percent of manufacturers report a shortage of qualified applicants for skilled production positions, and the shortage could cost U.S. manufacturers 11 percent of their annual earnings. Manufacturing executives reported an average of 94 days to recruit engineering and research employees and 70 days to recruit skilled production workers.