While the manufacturing skills gap is well-documented, how to solve it is less clear.
Harrisburg University’s theory is that applied research projects and work placements are key to the education of young engineers, a philosophy Erica Ward, Research and Development Project Manager, and Emily Mallis, Advanced Manufacturing Relations, will be making the case for at RAPID + TCT in April.
It was also a particular focus of Ward’s conversation with TCT ahead of the event, as she explained the value of applied research projects and internships, while also offering thoughts on what the manufacturing sector can do better when it comes to educating the next generation.
TCT: From your perspective, what is the current state of the manufacturing talent pipeline?
Erica Ward [EW]: Today’s pipeline is constrained by retirements, a shrinking supply of a new generation of workers, and a training system that still lags behind manufacturing needs. Nearly 83% of manufacturers report that attracting and retaining a quality workforce is their top challenge, and almost half have turned down business because they cannot staff work, which shows this is not a short-term blip but a systemic issue. But when you intentionally connect students, educators, and employers around applied research, you can turn that risk into an advantage.
TCT: Connecting students, educators and employers is a big component of the education that Harrisburg University provides. Undergraduate students are required to complete two applied research projects as part of their four-year curriculum, for example. What value do you place on that? What does it give those students?
EW: Harrisburg University has valued experiential learning since its inception. Applied research projects and internships are critical for the success of our students because they move students from ‘I’ve learned about it’ to ‘I’ve done it, with an industry partner, under real constraints.’ That’s exactly what the manufacturing sector needs today.
"When you intentionally connect students, educators, and employers around applied research, you can turn risk into advantage."
TCT: So, from your perspective, what does the industry get wrong about building a sustainable talent pipeline?
EW: Industry often tries to ‘buy’ its way out of the talent shortage with quick fixes such as sign-on bonuses, overseas labour, or hoping immigration solves it, rather than co-building local ecosystems. A sustainable pipeline comes from co-designed curricula, real projects, and transparent career paths at every career level. Companies have a major opportunity to strengthen the domestic talent pipeline by investing in long-term partnerships with educators.
TCT: In April, you'll present alongside Emily Mallis on how a manufacturing workforce pipeline can be built through research and industry collaboration. What is the key message you’re hoping to convey through your presentation?
EW: The key message is that workforce readiness can be engineered. If we intentionally design applied research programs around real manufacturing challenges and partner closely with industry, we can build a local talent ecosystem that is future-ready, not future-worried. Instead of waiting for talent to appear, you co-create it by linking students, faculty, and companies through research, internships, and ongoing collaboration that strengthens the ecosystem over time.
TCT: Finally, Erica, who should attend your session?
EW: If you are responsible for getting work done, whether you are an employer, talent acquisition leader, academic leader, or part of an economic development organisation, and are ready to move beyond talking about the “skills gap” to actively building a talent ecosystem in a shrinking manufacturing workforce, this session is for you.
Building the Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline Through Research and Industry Collaboration | Erica Ward & Emily Mallis | Harrisburg University
