Dream It, Do It WNY

A Strategy to Build a Workforce to Support Manufacturing

Today, across the country, manufacturers face a critical talent challenge as more than 500,000 jobs go unfilled due to a shortage of skilled workers.

Today, the average U.S. highly-skilled manufacturing worker is 56 years old.

By 2020, the shortage of highly skilled manufacturing workers could worsen to approximately 875,000 machinists, welders, industrial mechanics, and engineers.

A National Crisis

62% of respondents to a September 2011 study coordinated by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Manufacturers Council

reported a moderate to severe shortage of qualified talent.

A 2008 study performed by the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier found that manufacturers in the five

county Western New York region are seeking nearly 1,600 skilled workers annually just to backfill positions that are

opening due to retirements.

A Regional Crisis

Addressing the Crisis

It Works!

ContactSusan M. Witt

Program Coordinator, Erie & Niagara CountiesDream It, Do It WNY

P: 716.541.1712switt@didiwny.comNadine M. Powell 

Director, Business Development Buffalo Niagara Partnership

P:  716.541.1726npowell@thepartnership.org