Talent

Manufacturing Jobs in US Up for July but is it a Real Trend?

Sept. 6, 2013

While gained 14,000 jobs, industry group says that 'manufacturing jobs resurgence doesn’t exist.'

WASHINGTON -- The United States added 169,000 jobs last month and the prior two months' job numbers were revised sharply lower, slashing July job growth to 104,000, the Labor Department reported Friday. August job growth fell below the average analyst estimate of 177,000.

The unemployment rate ticked down to 7.3%.The slight decline in the jobless rate was unexpected, and was due to fewer people participating in the labor force. Most analysts projected a 7.4% jobless rate, unchanged from July.

While manufacturing added 14,000 jobs, it was due to a large downward revision in July. “Auto manufacturers laid off way more workers than expected in July, then hired them back in August -- a traditional and seasonal trend, “ explained Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM).

Significant downward revisions to job growth for the prior two months cut 74,000 jobs. The July number was slashed to 104,000 from 162,000, and the June total was lowered to 172,000 from 188,000.

The private sector added 152,000 jobs, short of analyst expectations of 180,000.

“A record monthly trade deficit with China on Wednesday, followed by a weak jobs report today and revisions to previous unemployment figures all point to the same conclusion – a manufacturing jobs resurgence doesn’t exist, and it hasn’t for some time,” said Scott.

"Summer jobs numbers in manufacturing are often volatile with temporary layoffs in the auto sector, but one trend is clear: Men and women looking for manufacturing jobs are having a hard time finding them,” Scott added. “The 'skills gap' is, for now, still a myth. And President Obama’s goal of creating one million new manufacturing jobs is going nowhere. Congress must do more to help, but so must the Administration.

“Thanks to Washington’s inaction, we’ve let a potential recovery for the sector fizzle out, at least for now. "I believe such a resurgence is possible, but only with smart public policy support investing in infrastructure and innovation, taking on currency manipulators, and revamping vocational education.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

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. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. 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.