Report: Lightweighting Employment Highest Since 2006
The report shows automotive-related manufacturing accounts for the largest share of advanced industries jobs in Indiana.
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA report from Detroit-based LIFT says advanced manufacturing employment in Indiana reached new heights in 2018 with nearly 520,000 workers employed. The organization, which is a Manufacturing USA institute, says that marks the highest employment level since 2006.
Described as a “new frontier” in advanced manufacturing, lightweighting focuses on using lightweight metal alloys to reduce weight, while maintaining or enhancing performance—typically in the transportation industry. LIFT says Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee are home to more than 50 percent of the metalworking jobs in the country.
The report shows employer demand grew by nearly 15 percent between Q4 2017 and Q1 2018 with 11,562 job postings, which is up 25 percent compared to five years ago.
“Advanced manufacturing job demand has created an ever-growing need for talent in Indiana and across the country,” says LIFT Education and Workforce Director Emily DeRocco. “Addressing those workforce needs with advanced manufacturing education pathways will be key to our nation’s economic prosperity and national security.”
The report shows the top in-demand lightweighting-related occupations in Indiana during Q1 2018 included: Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers (1,394 postings), Maintenance and Repair Workers (1,076 postings), Production Workers (774 postings), First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (545 postings) and Industrial Engineering Technicians (509 postings).
View the full Indiana report here.