Manufacturing Roundtable

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing is one of the Pioneer Valley’s top priority industries—driving economic growth and offering high-wage, high-skill career opportunities.

Why Manufacturing Matters

25,157
jobs in the region (2023)
$69,550
average annual wage
27.9%
Projected job growth through 2030
Home to major OEMs and a network of small and mid-sized manufacturers in a strong regional supply chain

Workforce Challenges

  • A graying workforce and loss of institutional knowledge
  • Difficulty attracting and retaining younger workers
  • Need for more upskilling programs in advanced technical areas
  • Rising costs that limit investment in wages and training

In-Demand Manufacturing Careers

  • CNC Operators and Machinists
  • Inspectors and Quality Control Technicians
  • Front-Line Production Supervisors
These roles offer clear career pathways and long-term growth potential.

Our Regional Strategy

  • Expand apprenticeships and career pathway programs
  • Partner with training providers to deliver flexible, skills-based programs
  • Support employers in upskilling incumbent workers
  • Use real-time labor market data to guide job placements and training investments
We support our Regional Strategy through convening local Manufacturers for a Manufacturing Roundtable.