As companies begin to re-open in the coming months, they are doing so under strict COVID-19 compliant conditions across the country. To some, this may seem restrictive, but in the manufacturing industry, which has survived wars, recessions, and natural disasters, it can also be an opportunity to evolve and transform. For this reason, we thought it pertinent to share some positive industry facts, as more and more companies are making strong comebacks & many are hiring.

Yes, there have been layoffs and furloughs, but jobs are on the rise, and things are getting done. Manufacturing employment is a high priority for so many companies, and contrary to what some may think, there is actually a shortage of qualified workers in the industry. So, in this blog, we have a little bit of everything as we discuss what’s trending in manufacturing, how job seekers can find manufacturing jobs, and what FootBridge is doing to offer assistance.

Decision-makers are considering how to manage risks today, so they are better prepared for tomorrow

Did you know many are investing in new supply chains, including dual sourcing? They are also investing in the retooling of production lines to space out workers and innovating in more ways than one to meet the production of post-pandemic products, including face shields, masks, ventilators, and other personal protective equipment. Additionally, manufacturers are taking this time to review policies and procedures on everything from how to sanitize the manufacturing floor to sick leave. When it comes to hiring, they want workers to know safety is a priority, as is their mental wellbeing, while at the same time instilling workforce confidence. So, if you’re looking for a manufacturing job or a worker already, count on frequent sharing of information in precise and practical language, the availability of counseling services, and open communication.

Productivity takes on new meaning

According to a report by McKinsey & Company,  just like schools organize students by teams and advisories, some manufacturers are looking at setting up pods for self-contained workspaces, tasks, and production lines. Shift changes and breaks could, therefore, be staggered, and teleconferencing technology and applications can be used for “hand over” meetings. Therefore, if you’re looking for manufacturing work during COVID-19, expect to see cross-training, on-call opportunities, and check-ins before shifts to see if you are coming to work.

Manufacturing is on the upswing

As a reminder, manufacturing has always been a strong industry, and in the fourth quarter of 2019 contributed $2.381 trillion to the U.S. economy. In April, although over a million manufacturing jobs were lost, there was an additional 225,000 jobs added back in May. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), employment is also expected to close in on pre-pandemic jobs by year-end.

For job seekers, Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn are great resources when it comes to searching for manufacturing openings. You can sign up for alerts and be the first to know when there is an opportunity in your field of work.

FootBridge can assist you in your search for manufacturing jobs

In Massachusetts, manufacturing careers are in hot demand. To check out the latest opportunities, visit our careers page for information on a variety of positions offering competitive hourly pay rates and benefits. If you need assistance finding out what manufacturing job is right for you, just give us a call or check out these must-have virtual interview tips. We have opportunities for highly skilled workers, including but not limited to, assemblers, technicians, machinists, designers, and software quality assurance engineers. Like us on FaceBook or LinkedIn to learn about virtual job fairs, tips, and job openings.

Manufacturing staffing

If you are a company in need of staffing for manufacturing positions, FootBridge is here to help. We have remained operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit from our home offices, and our recruiters are ready to put you in touch with top talent.

As always, if you are a company looking to hire, top talent is essential to the success of your business, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise.

Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success. If you are a candidate looking for opportunities, check out our job search tool.