February 25, 2025 Execs Must Lead Upskilling for Manufacturing’s Future

Manufacturing is facing a large skills gap. Continuous training is key to closing it, boosting retention, and staying competitive.

By Tyler Marshall, head of strategic alliances and business development at Advantive

The manufacturing and distribution industries are facing a major challenge: a skills gap that could leave nearly 1.9 million jobs unfilled by 2033. With a projected need for 3.8 million new workers over the next decade, simply recruiting new talent won’t be enough. As manufacturing technology rapidly evolves — integrating automation, AI, and advanced robotics — companies must ensure their workforce keeps pace with these advancements. Organizations that invest in continuous training and development can equip their teams with the expertise needed to adapt, innovate, and meet evolving customer demands.

Continuous training in manufacturing doesn’t just offset the risks of a skills shortage. It also helps enterprises stay agile and innovative while improving employee retention, with 76% of workers reporting they’re more likely to remain at companies that invest in their development. However, for these initiatives to succeed, senior leadership needs to actively participate and lead by example in building a culture of lifelong learning.

Staying competitive amid these changes requires a strong focus on upskilling, not just for frontline employees but also for senior leaders. To brush up on their own skills and bridge their companies’ gaps, executives must execute actionable strategies and understand the resources available to them, such as learning management systems (LMS), online tools, and training format options.

Build Effective Manufacturing Learning Programs by Keeping Pace

Training programs aligned with the industry’s changing landscape are ideal to keep up with the growing demands of modern manufacturing. As customer expectations rise, employees equipped with technical expertise and strong problem-solving abilities will be the most successful at navigating advancements like AI and smart factory systems.

These technologies are reshaping workflows, requiring skill-building programs to evolve in tandem. Leaders who identify emerging trends, such as automation or data-driven decision-making, and integrate them into customized training modules can directly address the unique challenges their businesses face.

The manufacturing industry has long been slow to adapt to new training methods, largely because traditional training disrupts workflows in a sector where efficiency is paramount. But with AI and data-driven decision-making accelerating change, the need for a more flexible approach to workforce training has never been greater. On-the-go learning allows employees to access critical knowledge exactly when they need it — without halting production. By incorporating “bite-sized” training modules along with hands-on training, manufacturers can equip workers with the right skills while keeping operations running smoothly. This approach supports employees’ delivery of high-quality, customer-centric solutions and helps organizations maintain a competitive edge.

Senior Leaders Must Drive the Industry-Wide Upskilling Movement

Senior executives play a crucial role in defining organizational culture. When they lead by example and prioritize their own development, they signal a commitment to lifelong learning that resonates throughout the organization. Emphasizing the acquisition of new skills at every level inspires employees and establishes a company-wide expectation of continuous development.

Executives who upskill can better adapt to technological advancements, anticipate market trends, and cater to changing customer preferences. A forward-thinking training approach keeps the workforce competitive, driving organizational progress to outpace industry advancements and prevent stagnation amid rapid technological change. By upskilling in areas such as AI, empathy, and strategic planning, executives prepare themselves for visionary roles while motivating their teams.

Bridging the leadership skills gap involves developing soft skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Research has shown that 90% of top performers possess high emotional intelligence, highlighting the significant link between EQ and career success. So, executives fluent in these areas are more equipped to lead with clarity, confidence, and vision, especially in times of transformation.

The Importance of Continuous Training in Manufacturing

In an industry where efficiency, precision, and safety are paramount, continuous training is essential to keep manufacturing employees skilled, adaptable, and prepared for evolving demands. Without ongoing learning opportunities, workers risk falling behind as new technologies, processes, and safety protocols emerge — leading to inefficiencies, production delays, and even costly errors.

To remain competitive, manufacturers must ensure their workforce is equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to operate advanced machinery, adhere to compliance regulations, adapt to automation, and handle digital transformations. Simple yet effective training methods help employees stay up-to-date without disrupting production. Hands-on workshops, job shadowing, brief refresher sessions, and on-the-job coaching are good options. With easy access to learning — whether through mentorship programs, quick instructional videos, or structured training sessions — employees can continually enhance their skills and maintain an operational focus.

As the manufacturing and distribution sectors evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting market dynamics, demand for a highly skilled workforce is more urgent than ever. The solution cannot focus solely on hiring new talent — it’s about upskilling, empowering, and evolving the existing workforce. Transformation starts at the top. Senior executives must lead the charge by not only prioritizing their own professional development but also setting the tone for a culture of continuous learning.

With learning platforms, resources, and tools, manufacturers can create tailored training programs that deliver results across all segments of their operations. The continued health and success of manufacturing depend on agility, innovation, and vision. And it begins with action. The future is here, and it’s time to shape the workforce of tomorrow by prioritizing upskilling initiatives today.

About the Author:
Tyler Marshall, head of strategic alliances and business development at Advantive, worked with ParityFactory of the Advantive family for over a dozen years, providing software solutions for food manufacturers. Beginning with the Alaskan Seafood industry, he has designed and successfully implemented the ParityFactory platform at operations across all food verticals from $5 million to over $1 billion in revenue, ultimately providing them millions in savings.

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