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Most people wouldn’t consider a blood center to be a manufacturer… unRecorded live at the CBJ Manufacturing Conference in Cedar Rapids on August 28th, this special episode features a candid discussion on one of the most pressing issues facing Iowa manufacturers: how to bridge the workforce gap created by the 240,000 Baby Boomers expected to exit the labor market by 2030. Panelists Dawn Ealy of CIRAS, Steve Coleman of Colewell Automation, and Wendy Mihm-Herold of iJAG delivered a clear, three-pronged roadmap designed to help manufacturers prepare for the future.
The conversation highlighted sobering workforce realities: workers aged 55+ will soon represent over 40% of Iowa’s workforce; annual job openings will average nearly 218,000 through 2032; and Gen Z’s share of the manufacturing workforce has already dropped to 7%. Meanwhile, automation is forecasted to cover 30% of work hours by 2030. Against this backdrop, the panelists emphasized three critical strategies: (1) adopting automation solutions from precision machining to robotic welding, (2) retaining seniors through flexible work, ergonomic tools, and mentorship roles, and (3) capturing a fair share of Gen Z talent through authentic workplace learning experiences, mentorship, and durable skill-building.
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The panel urged manufacturers to act now. Employers who fail to design a comprehensive workforce strategy encompassing all three elements—automation, seniors, and Gen Z—risk falling short of their labor and production needs. Listeners are left with a call to action: securing Iowa’s manufacturing future requires intentional collaboration, bold adaptation, and immediate investment in both people and technology.
Panelist Contact Information:
- Dawn Ealy – CIRAS dawnealy@iastate.edu
- Steve Coleman – Colewell Automation scoleman@colewell.com
- Wendy Mihm-Herold – iJAG wendy.mihm-herold@ijag.org