7.8 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2035, World Economic Forum says
The World Economic Forum says manufacturers face a widening skills gap as industrial jobs change, with a new US programme targeting 1 million students for future manufacturing and supply chain careers. As many as 7.8 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2035, the World Economic Forum says, highlighting a skills shortage that could leave […]
The World Economic Forum predicts that 7.8 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2035, highlighting a growing skills gap in the industry. To address this issue, the Forum has launched the SmartStart program, targeting one million students in the United States for future manufacturing and supply chain careers. SmartStart, co-created by over 50 leaders from industry, government, academia, and labor, focuses on three key areas: future-ready education, learning that leads to jobs, and greater visibility for technical careers.
The program, introduced through pilot schools for students aged 14 to 18 in select U.S. regions starting in 2026 and 2027, aims to test and refine a three-year curriculum while providing practical exposure to modern industry technologies, tools, and processes. The skills shortage in manufacturing is not just about increasing the workforce; it also involves adapting to the changing nature of work as the sector becomes more technology-driven.
The Forum emphasizes the importance of connecting education with the skills employers will need in order to effectively address the projected labor shortage.
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