As part of a thought leadership series on LinkedIn, Michael Stroik, director of 3Mgives, shares his experiences and views on select topics affecting 3M and the world. This month, he reflects on America’s skilled labor shortage on National Manufacturing Day.

“America’s skilled labor shortage is more than a problem. It’s an epidemic.

“And no industry is more at risk than manufacturing. According to the Manufacturing Institute, of the 3.4 million manufacturing jobs that will exist by 2025, only about 1.4 million will be filled due to so many existing workers reaching retirement age.

“Where will we get the 2 million workers needed to maintain our nation’s global leadership in manufacturing, especially when our economy is at nearly full employment? How do we ensure women and communities of color are empowered to pursue meaningful career pathways in advanced manufacturing?

“These are challenges we’re tackling aggressively here at 3M. As a science-based company, we are built to solve problems. And with dozens of manufacturing locations throughout the U.S. – and in 36 other nations around the world – we are acutely aware of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) talent gap. And we’re doing something about it.

“To start, we are getting involved in Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), when the manufacturing industry holds an open house of sorts to showcase exciting career opportunities that await the next generation of employees. Last year, more than 275,000 individuals – high school and college students, and others interested in manufacturing careers – attended 3,000 MFG Day events. And we expect that to grow this year.”

Check out Michael’s full article at LinkedIn to learn more about what 3M is doing to help close the talent gap in manufacturing year-round, beyond National Manufacturing Day

Want to hear more from other leaders at 3M? Connect with Michael, Senior Vice President of HR Kristen Ludgate and 3M’s Chief Diversity Officer Ann Anaya on LinkedIn as they share their thoughts on topics related People & Culture each month.