Maine faces shortfall of 3,000 skilled manufacturing workers, study says

File Photo / Courtesy of Washington County Community College A welding student at Washington County Community College.

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Maine manufacturers need up to 3,000 more skilled workers, according to a study released by the Manufacturers Association of Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Labor and the Maine Forest Bioproducts Tech Hub.

The report, conducted by Camoin Associates, documents a workforce shortage primarily in engineering, production and production-management roles along with a strategic roadmap for strengthening the sector.

John Lewis

“This roadmap gives Maine manufacturers what they’ve been asking for — a clear, data-driven plan to help us fill critical jobs and strengthen our competitiveness,” said John Lewis, executive director of the Manufacturers Association of Maine.

“Employers across the state are ready to grow, but they need a stronger pipeline of skilled talent,” he added. “By aligning education, training and industry, we can make manufacturing a career of choice for more Mainers and ensure this sector continues to be a backbone of our economy.”

Overseen by an advisory board of education, labor, industry and community partners, Camoin translated labor market data and survey results from Maine businesses into a strategic roadmap that will guide future efforts to strengthen Maine’s manufacturing sector and keep it competitive.

Game plan

The roadmap outlines career pathways for six of the sector’s most in-demand occupations, along with an interactive inventory of local training programs that jobseekers and career advisors can use to facilitate entry into those occupations.

“Advanced manufacturing plays an important role in Maine’s economy, driving innovation, supporting exports, and creating high-quality jobs across sectors such as life sciences, defense and textiles,” said Laura Fortman, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Labor.

Yet employers, especially small manufacturers, continue to face persistent challenges in recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers.

“Meeting this challenge requires coordinated, system-wide collaboration — and this roadmap offers a strong foundation to move public, private and industry partners forward together," Fortman said.

Some initiatives flagged in the report are already underway, including industrial technology courses at Maine community college and investments by the Maine Departments of Labor to expand registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship programs in manufacturing and other key sectors.

The report's release coincides with Manufacturing Month. To mark the occasion, the Manufacturers Association of Maine is hosting 22 events to showcase the sector's strengths and career paths.