According to a
recent study conducted by the Hillsborough and Pinellas counties’ leading economic
and workforce development organizations, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are
home to 2,074 manufacturers, representing 50,803 employees. Manufacturing
employees have a total income contribution of almost $9 billion to the local economy,
and each manufacturing job created results in the creation of an additional
2.65 jobs. The study states the economic recovery is leading manufacturers to
increase production, but they are facing challenges in hiring qualified workers
for critical positions. Almost 40% of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties’
manufacturers say that the skills gap is limiting business growth.
To take a closer
look into the situation, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties’ economic and
workforce
development organizations recently conducted a comprehensive skill
set needs assessment for Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. The report was
published in August 2013, and was sponsored by Tampa Hillsborough Economic
Development Corporation, Pinellas County Economic Development, Tampa Bay
Workforce Alliance, WorkNet Pinellas, Tampa Bay Partnership and Florida
High-Tech Corridor. The Hillsborough-Pinellas Manufacturing Gap Analysis was
targeted to quantify the areas’ difficult to fill manufacturing skills set. In
total, 107 skill sets across 16 job type categories were surveyed. There were
109 responding companies, representing 14,715 employees, or 28.9% of the entire
manufacturing employee population in the two county area.
Data from the
analysis showed an increasing shift from traditional manufacturing methods to
more advanced methods. The highest 12-month vacancies were for production
solderers, which work predominately in the areas component manufacturers. CNC machining
positions were ranked as having the second and fourth highest vacancies,
underscoring the shift from traditional to advanced methods. Maintenance
mechanics had the third highest 12-month vacancies. Mig and Tig welders were
tied as having the fifth highest 12-month vacancies.
Based on the
interviews, the organizations determined three action areas and possible
solutions, where they believed they could make an impact to improve the
manufacturing talent pipeline.
Areas for
improvement included:
1. A lack of
interest in manufacturing is causing a shortage of skilled workers.
2. Workers lack
knowledge of industry.
3. There needs to
be a greater connection between industry and education.
Solutions:
1. Organize
manufacturing job opportunities public relations campaign.
2. Increase
internship and apprenticeship offerings.
3. Improve
coordination between industry, education, and government.
The study also points to valuable resources and possible partnership
opportunities manufacturers can avail of
For detailed information on core courses and certificates
offered by the A.S. degree in engineering technology visit FLATE’s “Made in Florida” site. The site is part of FLATE’s statewide outreach
campaign aimed at changing community perceptions about manufacturing, and recruit
students into high-tech, high- wage STEM career pathways that support manufacturing.
For
information on current skills gap in the region read the
Tampa-Hillsborough
EDC detailed report.
