• A mix of creative problem-solving capabilities, technical know-how, business skills, and an ability to interact with colleagues and customers;
• A higher degree of technical and technological expertise as production systems become more automated and more interconnected, and as workplaces incorporate advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, microelectronics, and robotics;
• Continued reliance on the skilled trades, but in combination with other technical and business skills;
• A greater reliance on manufacturing and product engineering, product and process design, and scientific research;
• Multilingual and multicultural skills, as business operations expand on a more global basis;
• Management skills in the fields of manufacturing processes, supply chains, product and knowledge development, financing, and global business; and,
• An ability to adapt easily to constantly-changing roles in a constantly-changing workplace.

Canada’s workforce must be prepared to meet the future requirements of manufacturing.

In order to ensure this goal, careers in manufacturing must be viewed as attractive opportunities for young people. Employees must possess the basic skills required to work in a responsible, innovative, highly flexible, and internationally networked business environment, and take every advantage to improve their capabilities.

Manufacturers must be able to find people with the mix of specialized skills they require. Apprenticeship programs must be updated to meet the changing skills requirements of manufacturing. Manufacturers must invest in continually upgrading the skills and capabilities of their workforce. And, more must be done to encourage manufacturers to collaborate in skills training and pool resources to access expert personnel.