Skilled factory worker shortage could multiply by 10 by 2020

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-skilled-manufacturing-shortage-20121015,0,5055480.story

The skills gap that has the U.S. manufacturing industry panicked isn’t a big deal for now, according to a new report from the Boston Consulting Group.

But by the end of the decade, the shortage could balloon to 875,000 highly skilled workers from a shortfall of 80,000 to 100,000 now, according to the study.

Today, the deficit of workers represents less than 1% of the 11.5 million total factory workers in the country, or less than 8% of the 1.4 million highly skilled employees. Employers are looking to fill positions for welders, machinists, industrial machinery mechanics and more.

Only five of the 50 largest manufacturing centers – Baton Rouge, La.; Charlotte, N.C.; Miami; San Antonio; and Wichita, Kan. – are experiencing fast-growing factory wages, which BCG takes as evidence that demand for workers is outpacing supply.