There are 4.5 million students enrolled in public 2-year postsecondary institutions. Community colleges are integral to preparing students for careers in many fields. A massive 97 percent of industry leaders believe a shortage of mechanical engineering talent is on the horizon. Some students enrolled in community colleges could close the skills gaps and labor shortages expected in United States manufacturing.
Training for jobs that have yet to exist is incredibly challenging. However, community colleges are perfectly positioned to meet the demands of this evolving industry. With the right approach, they can respond to potential workforce needs using a combination of innovation and data analytics.
Despite a somewhat challenging business environment, U.S. manufacturing has received continued investment in recent years. Investment in clean-technology manufacturing facilities and construction spending reached new records in 2024 despite higher costs, potential policy changes, and geopolitical uncertainty. Manufacturers are focused on improving the worker experience. Many predict an ecosystem approach to talent development in the future.
Like most other industries, manufacturers are making targeted investments in artificial intelligence (AI), prioritizing use cases with a strong data foundation, like customer service and product design. Many will continue to focus on reducing emissions, which, combined with innovative technology, could quickly transform the manufacturing industry. However, this process includes some considerable challenges.
A massive 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, which makes overcoming labor challenges one of the most impactful challenges manufacturers must face. Automation and AI have changed the skills people need to excel in the industry. Future careers in manufacturing will likely require different competencies to close the skills gap. Acquiring these skills begins with education, and community colleges play a pivotal role in preparing for future manufacturing requirements.
As the manufacturing landscape changes, people entering the industry must focus on different skills. Learning and sharpening these skills provides various opportunities for advancement. They must focus on ones that offer longevity in the industry, including:
In the next decade alone, more manufacturing jobs will open as the workforce retires. Yet, the prediction that many of these positions will go unfilled shows a discrepancy somewhere. Community colleges that focus on manufacturing could be the answer. With manufacturing job demand skyrocketing, community colleges provide key student training grounds.
A significant skill gap exists in the upcoming generation, and U.S. manufacturing needs more engineering and technical students who understand advanced technology. Community colleges provide opportunities for short-term credentials, one-year certificates, and two-year degrees related to manufacturing. They are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of students, the economy, and niche industries like manufacturing.
These institutions play many roles in closing the skills gap, including:
Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), leading to in-demand manufacturing skills. They also provide in-depth career counseling, helping students choose career paths that best suit their skills. In response to the shortage of manufacturing skills, some community colleges offer advanced manufacturing courses focused on sharpening specific skills for future generations.
Community colleges can take the following steps to provide manufacturing training for the future:
Making talent development a leadership priority starts with a strategic commitment at the top levels of an institution. Some community colleges are shifting from contract-based workforce training models to comprehensive regional talent strategies. They’re engaging with economic development organizations, employers, and state agencies to identify current and future manufacturing needs.
Establishing public-private partnerships allows community colleges to create a collaborative framework that unites them with employers and universities. Over time, they ensure that their advanced manufacturing classes and training programs align with industry demands.
Manufacturing courses must remain relevant as the industry changes. To achieve this goal, community colleges can establish advisory boards that include industry leaders and alumni. As experts, they can provide ongoing insights into emerging trends and skill requirements in manufacturing, informing the development of new programs and the refinement of existing ones.
Community colleges can offer curricula targeting advanced manufacturing technician jobs, offering specialized training in CNC machining, robotics, and programming. Students gain practical skills and real-world experience through hands-on learning, partnerships with manufacturers, and industry-recognized certifications. Industry-based curricula prepare students for high-demand careers in modern manufacturing.
Students should leave community college with in-demand skills and career readiness, including job-hunting, leadership, and teamwork strategies. Curriculum mapping can help community colleges identify gaps between expected student learning outcomes and their teaching or assessment. A curriculum map empowers faculty to align their course content with in-demand manufacturing skills and ensure consistency in the classroom.
Knowing where manufacturing will go allows community colleges to future-proof their students. Community colleges that integrate emerging technologies in manufacturing courses align with the nation’s overarching workforce goals. Students entering the workforce will have a massive advantage when familiar with current and future manufacturing technology, including green technology and AI.
Community colleges can also integrate technology into the learning environment to enhance the educational experience. Students in manufacturing programs benefit from virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which provide immersive training situations. This experiential learning approach allows students to practice skills in a safe environment and build confidence. Online platforms can also provide access to resources, discussions, and collaborative projects catering to diverse learning styles.
Skills and knowledge in areas like renewable energy, technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing define a mission that is relevant today. It also positions community colleges as drivers of innovation and workforce development in the future. Emphasizing agile and relevant manufacturing skills prepares students for critical manufacturing roles. Courses focusing on practical skills like data analytics and machine learning go beyond career readiness and give students a competitive edge in the job market.
In addition to direct skills, hiring organizations value versatile employees with soft skills. These students can turn technical knowledge into results, handle work stress, assist in training, and improve existing workflows. In addition to providing job training, community colleges can teach skills like:
High-quality workforce programs should create pathways to advanced credentials and degrees. Aligning credit and non-credit coursework is essential to avoid duplication and maintain high educational quality. Carefully designed pathways into and after community college guide students into the workforce. First-generation, low-income, and students from underrepresented groups face significant challenges. Community colleges that support students through to course completion open doors to further study, career advancement, and higher earning potential.
Using student data to promote ongoing improvements in student retention and completion. With data, colleges can identify at-risk students and provide targeted support to get them back on track. Personalized support programs help them set goals and provide valuable coping skills.
Each student’s engagement in their learning experience increases their chances of persistence. With 80 percent of students viewing career readiness as an indicator of success, facilitating the connection between coursework and manufacturing careers is critical. As the nontraditional student population is increasing, community colleges should take steps to engage these learners in course material. Flexible schedules and virtual learning can keep them engaged on their terms.
Course evaluations provide community colleges with several benefits, including improved program quality and enhanced student success. The success of course evaluations depends on the methods of gathering, analyzing, and applying feedback. The first step is to move away from generic questions and build questions around specific goals. In manufacturing, this strategy could mean asking students about their career readiness.
Using purpose-built course evaluation software makes them more meaningful. They provide additional insights, like AI-powered sentiment analysis, completing the picture of student satisfaction. Integrating evaluations with an existing learning management system (LMS) meets students where they are and ensures easy distribution and collection.
The importance of continuous learning in the evolving manufacturing landscape cannot be overstated. Community colleges can promote industry excellence through lifelong learning. They can offer professional development courses and certifications for people involved in manufacturing and looking to upskill or reskill.
A robust alumni network is an excellent resource for students and community college graduates. Colleges can actively engage alumni in mentoring programs, networking events, and guest lectures. Alumni can give students information on the job market, share their career journeys, and offer advice on prioritizing career longevity.
Cross-disciplinary learning opportunities that combine manufacturing with other fields — such as engineering, design, and business — can enhance each student’s educational experience. Creating programs encouraging collaboration between departments allows students from different disciplines to work together. They broaden their skill sets and learn to collaborate across teams — essential skills in future manufacturing environments.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, many community colleges are rising to the challenge of preparing students to enter their new workforce. If you’re one of these institutions, a proactive approach to closing the skills gap can help you enhance student success.
With Watermark Educational Impact Suite (EIS), you can leverage data to meet your course objectives. Our integrated solutions include Watermark Curriculum Strategy to align your manufacturing curriculum with industry standards. With Watermark Student Success & Engagement you can use data to identify at-risk students and support them through to course completion. Prepare your students for their manufacturing careers and request a demo today!
