ZURICH—A global survey conducted by ABB has revealed that a significant workforce education gap could derail efforts by U.S. and European manufacturers to reshore or near-shore operations to build resilience in the face of global challenges.

In my June column, I described the magnitude of the skilled workforce problem and some efforts by industry and associations to overcome the problem. This month, I will talk about what federal and state governments are doing to help, and I’ll offer one simple, no-cost, government action that must be implemented immediately.

Training the next generation of manufacturing workers is essential to the success of U.S. manufacturing and the economy. A recent McKinsey study found that restoring growth and competitiveness in 16 key manufacturing industries could boost annual U.S. GDP by more than 15 percent.

WASHINGTON, DC—Ahead of its 125th anniversary and the 2020 elections, the National Association of Manufacturers recenty announced a member-driven campaign to raise at least $10 million for the newly established “Creators Wanted Fund” to inspire and drive 600,000 Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing within the next six years.

MERRIMACK, NH—For the first time in almost two decades, manufacturing skill assessment scores are improving. It indicates that the skills gap could be closing.