Why Manufacturing Hiring Is Broken in 2026 and What Employers Can Do About It

January 22, 2026

If you own a manufacturing company and hiring has been anything but successful lately, you’re not alone. Many manufacturing companies are hitting major roadblocks when it comes to finding qualified candidates. While each story may be different, many share the same underlying problems. What’s behind these troubling trends, and what can employers do to reverse them? The Summit Careers team is digging deep to find you answers and help you find the qualified candidates that are in demand right now.


Why Manufacturing Hiring is Broken

There are several reasons why manufacturing hiring just isn’t what it used to be. Do any of these sound familiar?


Skills Gap

While candidates may have traditional manufacturing skills, they may not have the digital skills that many manufacturing jobs now require. Many experienced technicians also need to know how to troubleshoot software issues.


Fierce Competition

The competition is fierce for manufacturing candidates. Many companies are competing with tech facilities for the same workers. Tech giants can offer higher wages and more benefits that are pulling workers away from the traditional manufacturing sector.


Changing Demographics

Manufacturing jobs were popular with the now aging workforce. As these workers retire, there are fewer people who are fighting to take their place. Statistics show that while nearly 4 million manufacturing jobs are expected to open up by 2033, half of those roles will go unfilled. Just 14% of Gen Z say they would consider industrial work as a career.


Workplace Stereotypes

Many job seekers may have outdated beliefs about what manufacturing really looks like. While they may assume it entails dark, unmodern factories, they may be unaware that modern manufacturing is clean and efficient.


Economic Uncertainty

Some companies may not be able to hire the workers they need due to economic uncertainty. This can result in overworked employees and a decrease in production.


Ways to Reverse The Trend

While this trend in manufacturing hiring is disturbing, there are things that employers can do to improve the situation and help themselves.


  • Offer Better Compensation

Manufacturing companies can offer better wages and benefits to compete with tech companies that may have more on the table. If the offer is right, a candidate may choose to work for a smaller company rather than a tech giant.


  • Look to Build Skills

Explore internal training that helps employees with both technical and digital skills. This will allow employees to gain the knowledge they need to excel in both areas.


  • Offer Flexible Work Schedules

Since those in the manufacturing field can’t work remotely, employers can offer flexible schedules, such as 4-day work weeks. This can help to attract more candidates.


  • Find Ways to Collaborate

Work with educational institutions and staffing agencies to find trained workers who have the desired skills and are ready to work.


  • Use Social Media for Authentic Storytelling

Reverse the stereotypes that some manufacturing facilities may have by providing authentic storytelling. Use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a real manufacturing facility and the people who work there.


  • Provide Referral Incentives

Provide incentives for employees if they bring on a candidate who gets hired and stays on the job for a set time. This can help to attract qualified workers and retain the ones you have.


Partner with Summit Careers to Find Qualified Candidates

If you’re a manufacturing company looking to find qualified candidates, Summit Careers is here to help. We have a growing database of candidates who are looking for jobs just like yours. Contact us today to learn more about our manufacturing staffing program and how you can benefit.

Looking for Work? Find out How Summit Careers Can Help

October 23, 2025
We’ve all been there before: the middle of the night job search scrolling, the relentless application process that ends in ghosting. Many people find job searching a full-time job in itself. Unfortunately, when you’re doing it alone, it can be unrewarding, leaving you unemployed. When you work with Summit Careers, we do the legwork for you. We take the time to find the best job matches, so you don’t have to. Our team is dedicated to getting you on your career path. What do we do and who do we work with? Let’s take a look. How Much Time are You Spending Looking for a Job? First, it’s important to understand just how much time your job search is taking from you. While everyone is different, the tasks are the same. Do these tasks sound familiar? Skimming Through Job Boards Experts find that many people spend more than 3 hours a week just skimming through job boards. This involves reading posts that are irrelevant, otherwise known as, wasting time. Tailoring Resumes and Cover Letters If you’re lucky enough to find a job or two that suits you, you have to tailor your resume and cover letter. This can take another 5 hours or so, depending on the amount of work you have to do and how many jobs you may be applying to. Networking We all know that networking is another excellent resource in the job search, but this takes time. This can be a couple of hours a week as you make calls, write emails and reach out to people in your industry. Interviews When you do get an interest in your resume, it’s time to interview. Whether you’re doing this online or in person, this is also a time-consuming task that can yield zero results. In total, you can expect to spend at least 15 hours a week searching for a job. Yikes! But when you work with an agency like Summit Careers, you can reclaim that time and use it for other tasks. How Working with Summit Careers Saves You Time Here’s how working with Summit Careers makes the job search process easier for you: We Find the Jobs for You We work with companies that have shared their job postings with us because they know we have a pool of qualified candidates. They don’t have to waste their time posting anywhere else because they trust us to find their new hires. We Handle the Correspondence No more stalking your inbox. Our team handles the communications, so you don’t have to worry. We Schedule Interviews Once a match is made, we work to schedule a convenient interview time. Our team has made connections with hiring managers. We have built relationships that help our clients. We handle the logistics so you can concentrate on putting your best foot forward during the interview. Industries We Work With Job seekers enjoy working with Summit Careers because we partner with a wide variety of industries : Manufacturing (machine operation, assembly, quality control, etc.) Distribution (box truck drivers, CDL) Professional Trades (electrician, plumbing, auto mechanic, sheet metal work, welding) Precision Manufacturing (CNC plastics & metals, engineering, deburring, quality control, grinding) Warehousing (shipping & receiving, packers, powered machine operators, inventory control) Administrative (human resources, accounting, payroll, controller) Medical/Dental (non-clinical, nurses, medical/dental assistants, CNAs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) Schools/Universities (teachers, professors, paraprofessionals, administrators, maintenance, cafeteria workers, chefs, prep cooks) If you’re looking for jobs in any of these fields, it’s time to partner with Summit Careers! Connect with Summit Careers in Your Job Search Summit Careers is here to help you find your next employer! Whether you’re looking for permanent or seasonal work, we can help. Now is the time to apply for seasonal positions, so don’t miss out on your next opportunity. Let us know the type of job you’re looking for and we can connect you with the right companies. Reach out to us today and submit your resume so one of our recruitment consultants can get to work for you!

Hartford Hiring: The Push to Find Qualified Candidates Now!

September 18, 2025
The Summit Careers team is working diligently to help individuals in the Hartford, CT area find their next career opportunity. There are companies in various industries that are currently seeking individuals with your skills. According to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, 76% of employers say that finding and retaining workers is challenging. This is one of the reasons why the push is on to find qualified candidates. That’s where we come in. At Summit Careers, one of our many focuses is on Hartford hiring and helping various companies find the qualified employees they need to make their businesses thrive. Summit Careers Is Here to Help with Hartford Hiring Currently, there is a need for qualified candidates in academics, professional trades, higher skill development positions, and much more, in the Hartford, CT region. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, there are several sectors that are fueling the need for skilled talent: Manufacturing There is a strong need for workers in aerospace and precision engineering. Finding skilled labor in these areas can be difficult for companies. If you have these skills, you hold an advantage over others who may be looking at these types of jobs. Skilled Trades There is also a strong need to find skilled workers in many different trades, especially in the construction industry. Life Sciences The Hartford, CT area has a high demand for lab technicians and technical staff, as well as research and development specialists. These types of specialized skills are extremely important in today’s job market. Academics Many school districts have numerous openings for staff, both in and out of the classroom. At Summit Careers, we help many school systems find the staff they need for teaching and other positions. Tips for Job Seekers in the Hartford, CT Area If you're looking for a job in the Hartford area, here are some tips to help you along the way: Highlight In-Demand Skills Employers are seeking candidates with skills in data analysis, cybersecurity, engineering, and various medical fields. Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your proficiency in these areas. Look at Early Career Programs Consider early career programs that can sometimes lead to a full-time role. Target Growth Industries Explore companies that are constantly growing and see how your skills may match their needs. Be sure to highlight these skills in any job search. Partner with Summit Careers for Your Hartford, CT Area Job Search  One of the best things you can do to enhance your job search in the Hartford, CT area is to partner with Summit Careers. We work with many growth industries to help them find their next star employees. Our team searches our expansive applicant database to help find the best matches. It’s a win-win for everyone: the companies that need to find workers, and the job seekers who are looking for their next big move. To get started, submit your resume so we can get to work for you and find your next career move.

The 5 Roles You'll Be Scrambling to Fill This Fall—And How to Hire Smarter Now

August 21, 2025
As we look ahead to fall, many companies will be busy trying to fill vacancies. While the job market is constantly shifting, there are a few areas that are expected to stand out, leaving companies scrambling to find qualified workers. If you want to get ahead, it’s important to be aware of which positions are expected to be most competitive so you can adopt smarter hiring strategies. The 5 Most In-Demand Roles This Fall Healthcare Professionals The demand for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and health service managers continues to soar. An aging population and an increased need for quality care are the driving forces. These roles are expected to be in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities to maintain high standards of patient care. Machine Learning Specialists Businesses are expected to be looking for professionals who can implement AI-powered solutions. These specialists are needed to develop and integrate everything from automated customer service chatbots to complex data analysis models. Cybersecurity Specialists As businesses become more reliant on digital infrastructure, the risk of cyber threats grows. Cybersecurity specialists, including information security analysts and engineers, are in high demand to protect sensitive data, prevent breaches, and ensure the integrity of a company's systems. Data Scientists and Analysts Companies need experts who can make sense of all the data being generated these days. Data scientists and analysts are vital for extracting meaningful insights from complex datasets to inform business decisions, optimize operations, and predict market trends. Skilled Trades and Green Economy Workers There's a persistent demand for skilled tradespeople, and a new wave of growth is being driven by the green economy. Roles like solar installers and wind turbine service technicians are experiencing rapid growth as companies and governments invest in renewable energy projects. How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, When it Comes to Hiring The traditional hiring process won't cut it when competing for top talent. You need a strategy that's both efficient and appealing to modern job seekers. Prioritize Skills Over Degrees Focus on critical skills over degree requirements. A skills-based approach widens your talent pool and allows you to find qualified individuals who may have gained experience through alternative paths, such as bootcamps, online courses, or on-the-job training. Embrace Flexibility and Employee Wellness Work balance is more important than ever. To attract and retain top talent, consider offering flexible work arrangements like remote or hybrid options. Highlighting robust health and wellness benefits, including mental health support, can also make you stand out in a competitive market. Build a Strong Talent Pipeline Proactively build relationships with passive candidates through networking and employee referral programs rather than waiting for a position to open. A robust talent pipeline ensures you're never scrambling for a hire, as you'll already have a pool of qualified individuals to draw from. A strong employer brand that showcases your company's culture and values on social media and career pages is also crucial for attracting long-term interest. Highlight Technology and Data Use technology to streamline your recruitment process. AI-powered tools can help automate tasks such as resume screening and interview scheduling. This gives your HR team more time to focus on meaningful interactions with candidates. You’ll also want to use recruitment analytics to identify trends and measure the effectiveness of your hiring sources. Do You Need Help Filling Roles this Fall? Contact Summit Careers If you need help filling vacancies this fall, Summit Careers is here to help. We have a growing database of candidates who are looking for jobs just like yours. You can count on us to use the most efficient practices to fill vacancies quickly. Contact us today to learn more.