3.8 million new manufacturing jobs are coming to America as boomers retire--but it's the one trade job Gen Z doesn't want

[fujiyamasan]

11. Manufacturing jobs aren't like they were in the past

The plants are leaner and much more efficient. They are increasingly automated. The equipment used can’t be operated by a person with a person barely making it through high school.

While I know this generation prefers greater flexibility and work/life balance than the past, the article should also make it clearer that the jobs will be increasingly limited to those with the required technical skills. It’s still not exactly easy to find skilled CNC operators, or those with experience with robotics programming or PLCs. And unlike say web programming or something similar, it’s hard to be self taught with these skills.

A smarter approach to education would offer these classes at the high school level to those not seeking college. And even private trade schools can be expensive and some are outright scams.