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Manufacturers continue to invest enormous sums in external and internal programs that boost workers’ skills, according to a  from the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the 51�Թ���.

• “The State of Workforce Training in Manufacturing” survey was taken during the first quarter of 2026 and provided an update to the MI’s 2019 inaugural survey of human resources and operations leaders.

By the numbers: The MI estimates that manufacturers are spending $31.9 billion annually on internal and external training programs for new and existing manufacturing employees, up from $26.2 billion in 2019.

• In addition, new U.S. employees are estimated to receive 47.6 hours of in-house and external training on average, while existing employees receive an estimated 26.7 hours of training.
• About 77.5% of survey respondents said they offer employer-led training, a strength of the manufacturing industry.

A top concern: The challenge of attracting and retaining employees has long been a top business concern among manufacturers, landing at the top of respondents’ list 64% of the time in the 51�Թ���’s .

• In the most recent survey, the , 44.7% of respondents cited this talent concern.

The MI says: “This updated survey demonstrates just how committed manufacturers are to building a skilled workforce,” said MI President Carolyn Lee. “You can see it in the data and see it in the creative approaches they have stood up to empower workers with the skills they need to thrive in manufacturing.”

• “Whether that’s through employer-led apprenticeship programs like the , reverse mentorships, additional on-the-job training or online certificate programs, manufacturers are continuing to invest in their people and their communities.”
• “As technological innovations and advancements continue to change how manufacturers do their jobs, the companies that continue to invest in training will reap outsized benefits.”