Who Will Fill America’s Manufacturing Jobs? Carolyn Lee on AI, Skills & the Workforce Crisis

American manufacturing is growing—but who will fill the jobs?

In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lewis A. Weiss sits down with Carolyn Lee of the Manufacturing Institute to examine one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. manufacturing: building the skilled workforce needed to support new investment, advanced technology, automation, and AI.

Manufacturing has faced a structural talent shortage for years, with hundreds of thousands of open jobs across the industry. At the same time, reshoring, onshoring, new plant investments, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies are changing the skills employers need.

So where will the next generation of manufacturing workers come from?

Carolyn explains why automation and AI aren't replacing the need for people—they're changing the skills people need to succeed. She and Lou discuss how manufacturers can attract new talent, upskill existing employees, and build stronger workforce pipelines in their own communities.

They also explore:

Why manufacturing continues to struggle with a skilled labor shortage

How AI, robotics, and automation are changing manufacturing jobs

Why manufacturers need to invest in employee training and upskilling

Manufacturing careers that don't necessarily require a four-year college degree

The growing importance of technical education and Earn & Learn programs

How manufacturers can attract younger generations