As we head into the New Year, we’re left with many unanswered questions about the economy and what the future holds. How will the auto industry shakeout after the federal bailout? What will the Obama administration do to restore manufacturing in the United States?
It doesn’t appear that the answers to any of the above questions will come anytime soon. And unfortunately for thousands of workers nationwide, the uncertainty means more companies will continue to shed jobs in anticipation of a long recession.
One thing that’s a given: Traditional manufacturing will have to undergo a significant facelift to remain globally competitive.
Here’s what Obama had to say in a
New York Times article about the auto industry bailout:
“I do want to emphasize to the Big Three automakers and their executives that the American people’s patience is running out, and that they should seize on this opportunity over the next several weeks and months to come up with a plan that is sustainable. And that means that they’re going to have to make some hard choices.”
The U.S. auto industry’s restructuring will need to include product consolidation and a plan for more fuel-efficient vehicles. And regions that have seen steel plants and assembly-line jobs disappear need to realize those jobs are likely gone for good.
That means a greater focus on high-tech, bioscience and so-called “green” technologies. Strides are being made in this area. I had the pleasure of seeing such a plan in action when I visited a recently launched pharmaceutical drug manufacturing program at a community college in the heart of the Rust Belt.
The program, which I’ll be writing about further in IndustryWeek’s March issue, has enrolled several students who lost jobs in heavy manufacturing.
There are similar programs materializing all over the country, and with this being the final “Workforce in Progress” blog post this year, I look forward to writing more about the changing workforce in 2009.
What Will 2009 Bring?
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