The advanced manufacturing sector in St. Louis is still hungry for workers

Students at Ranken Technical College learn advanced manufacturing techniques. Some companies have established robust training programs because educational institutions and other local programs aren’t pumping out enough new workers.

Eric Schmid, a reporter for the St. Louis Public Radio discusses how St. Louis leaders see advanced manufacturing as key to regional economic growth, but filling open roles remains a major challenge. Industry experts emphasize the need for faster, more practical training programs and stronger partnerships between educators and employers. Organizations like Rung for Women are working to break down hiring barriers and connect skilled workers with open jobs. Despite automation, leaders agree human talent is essential to drive innovation and sustain the region’s manufacturing future.

“The St. Louis region’s bet on advanced manufacturing as a sector to lead economic growth for years to come still hinges on the ability to fill the roles that companies in the industry have open.

“A lot of the skills that you all need are not even thought of right now, today,” said Ranken Technical College President Don Pohl during a panel on the topic Thursday. “Most of our programs are two years in length. Those are long programs, and what we teach on day one is already obsolete by the time they graduate.”

The skills companies seek in new hires are rapidly changing, Pohl explained, which places more pressure on educational institutions like his to modify how and what they teach their students. He said one strategy is to incorporate practical experiences into the classroom or partner with companies to get students into their facilities while they’re still learning….”

Read more from the st. louis Public Radio here:

https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2025-03-13/advanced-manufacturing-st-louis-workers