How Manufacturers Can Recruit and Retain Workers with Disabilities

Manufacturing Dive reports that manufacturers facing persistent labor shortages are expanding recruitment efforts by focusing on skills-based hiring and tapping into underutilized talent pools, including people with disabilities. With 529,000 manufacturing job openings in May, employers are shifting from simply filling positions to improving recruitment, retention and upskilling. Experts say partnerships with community organizations, apprenticeship programs and workforce development agencies can help manufacturers build stronger, more sustainable talent pipelines while broadening access to qualified candidates.

The findings highlight how workforce shortages are prompting employers to rethink traditional hiring practices. Manufacturers, staffing firms, workforce development organizations, educational institutions and HR service providers have an opportunity to emphasize skills, training and inclusion to attract qualified workers while strengthening long-term employee retention.