Manufacturing Needs
More Than Engineers

What We Found

Engineering occupations play a critical role in advanced manufacturing, but they represent only one part of the industry's workforce. M-SPIRE's research found demand for talent across a broad range of occupations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, business operations, information technology, skilled trades, and technical support.

This diversity reflects the complexity of today's manufacturing environment. Designing innovative products requires engineers, but building, testing, maintaining, marketing, and delivering those products depends on professionals with many different backgrounds, education levels, and skill sets.

Advanced manufacturing offers career opportunities for individuals pursuing certificates, two-year degrees, four-year degrees, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training—not just traditional engineering pathways.

Why It Matters

The perception that advanced manufacturing careers are primarily for engineers can unintentionally limit the industry's future workforce. Students may overlook rewarding career opportunities because they assume manufacturing is not aligned with their interests or educational goals.

Expanding awareness of the industry's wide range of career pathways can help employers reach new talent, enable educators to better connect students with opportunities, and strengthen Minnesota's workforce pipeline. A broader understanding of manufacturing careers also helps ensure the industry attracts people with diverse experiences, interests, and talents.

Questions Leaders Should Consider

  • Do students, parents, and career counselors understand the full range of careers available in advanced manufacturing?

  • Are employers effectively communicating opportunities beyond engineering and technical design roles?

  • How can educators better expose students to manufacturing careers across different education levels and career pathways?

  • Are workforce development efforts highlighting the diversity of occupations needed to support Minnesota's manufacturing economy?