Skilled Labor Shortages Continue—Here’s How We’re Building the Next Generation of Machinists
The skilled labor shortage in U.S. manufacturing isn’t new, but it’s getting harder to ignore. Across the country, machine shops, fabricators, and OEMs are struggling to fill open roles with qualified talent. In fact, studies show over 2 million skilled manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030.
But while many are sounding the alarm, we’ve chosen a different path at Mills Machine Works:
We’re investing in solutions.
Here’s what we’re doing to close the gap and why it matters for the future of precision manufacturing.
The Problem: A Workforce Gap That Keeps Growing
What’s causing the shortage?
Retiring senior machinists with decades of hands-on knowledge
A lack of young people entering the trades
Misconceptions about what modern manufacturing looks like
Not enough exposure to machining, robotics, or engineering in middle and high school
The result? Longer lead times, rising labor costs, and fewer shops capable of taking on complex work with confidence.
What We're Doing About It at Mills Machine Works
We can’t control national policy, but we can lead by example. Here's how we’re actively closing the gap inside our own walls and across our local community:
1. In-House Cross-Training
We don’t silo our team. Our machinists are trained on multiple machines, setups, and materials so we stay flexible and keep growing skills across the board.
2. Investing in Process, Not Just People
We use documentation, job travelers, and ISO-based processes so tribal knowledge becomes transferable. That means better consistency, regardless of who’s on the machine.
3. Partnering with Schools & Community Orgs
We’re proud to support youth programs like SkillsUSA and career exposure days in local schools. The next generation won’t choose manufacturing unless they know it exists.
4. Mentorship Over Turnover
We don’t just hire machinists—we mentor them. That’s how we grow team members from operator to lead machinist, or from assembly to CNC setup.
Why This Matters for Our Customers
When you partner with a shop that’s solving the labor challenge from the inside, you get:
Stability in scheduling
Consistency in quality
Confidence in process
Long-term support that doesn’t break down when one employee leaves
In other words: you get more than just a part.
You get a team that’s here for the long haul.
Final Thought
The labor shortage isn’t going away on its own. But with the right systems, the right culture, and the right investment in people, we’re proving that skilled trades still have a future—and it’s a strong one.
👉 Need a shop that’s built for now and built for what’s next? Send us your next RFQ and see what partnership looks like in action.