The New Skill Production System: Policy Challenges and Solutions in Manufacturing Labor Markets

In chapter 2 we reviewed a wide range of issues touching on the nature of work in manufacturing and the challenges that firms face in obtaining the workforce that they need. That chapter drew on a nationally representative survey we conducted of manufacturers, a survey that focused heavily on skill and hiring issues as well as the human resource practices of establishments. Even if there were no problems, it is important to understand the skills that employees will need in the future so that educational and training institutions can better prepare young people and adults looking to obtain manufacturing employment.