Talent

Pharma Sector Adding Jobs

Sept. 16, 2011

Sector saw an 11% increase last quarter

Of the 11 industry sectors measured by the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, released on Sept. 15, employers in the pharmaceutical report an 11% increase. This is 4 percentage points stronger than last quarter and represents a considerable 12 percentage point increase year-over-year.

"The pharmaceutical sector continues to perform strongly which is likely to drive job creation and is positive news for job seekers in the sector," commented Krissie Davies, Manpower Ireland Managing Director.

In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing provided 282,200 wage and salary jobs.

Looking forward this sector represents a growth area for U.S. manufacturing jobs according to The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America The group is projecting an 18% growth rate from 2006-2018.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies.She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.