In a new special report, we continue our series on manufacturing jobs with a look at education and workforce development strategies. The executive summary follows, and you can read the full report here.

Manufacturers in Washington state face ongoing workforce challenges. The strong economy and growing retirements from the Baby Boom generation have created substantial new job opportunities. Yet, too often, employers have difficulty finding workers with the necessary skills. The industry has been transformed by technology. Production workers increasingly require education and training beyond high school. Professional and trade certifications, apprenticeships, mentoring, and college coursework are among the strategies being pursued to close the skills gap” confronting employers and job seekers.

As a state with a vibrant manufacturing sector, including leaders in aerospace, agriculture, maritime, and other technology-driven production, Washington has made significant investment in addressing the demand for skilled workers. Industry executives are working with state and local officials and educators to design programs to increase the postsecondary education attainment rate. An ambitious, but reasonable goal has been set to increase the number of Washington students attaining a postsecondary credential by age 26 from the current 31 percent of Washington students to 70 percent by 2030.

Much of the emphasis in this paper addresses strategies to meet near-term demand for production workers, positions which often do not require a four-year degree. There are many paths to career employment in manufacturing: Apprenticeships, certification in skilled trades, two-year and four-year degrees all play a critical role in preparing workers for the opportunities a vibrant economy offers. As individuals’ careers evolve, employees will often experience demands for additional training and education, from onsite workplace programs to post-graduate degrees. And some with four-year degrees may choose to supplement their education through apprenticeship or trade programs. The key is making sure that no path is prematurely foreclosed, no opportunity for advancement precluded because the necessary training and education is not available.

Opportunities in manufacturing abound. In 2016, 286,272 workers were employed in manufacturing in Washington, an industry with above average wages. Average annual wages for all industries statewide are $59,090; manufacturing jobs pay an average of $74,632 (26.3 percent higher). Obtaining the skills required for manufacturing careers involve an inclusive, all-of-the-above approach. It begins with opening up the pathways to postsecondary training and education, including boosting the state’s high school graduation rate. Washington is making encouraging progress, through the Career Connect Washington Task Force, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, career-focused programs at the community and technical colleges, apprenticeships, and more. Closing the skills gap requires maintaining both a sense of urgency and a close partnership with industry to guarantee that training and education programs align with demand.

Read the full report here. Part I of this series is available here.