President Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to “bring manufacturing back” to the United States. This initiative has already been on the minds of business leaders with “nearshoring” and “reshoring” happening increasingly following the 2020 pandemic. The question is: What will it take for U.S. automotive manufacturers to bring manufacturing back to America? The answer is complicated. But there’s one glaring challenge that stands out from the rest for automakers: The labor skills gap.
Automakers Already Have a Gap to Fill.
The automotive industry already has workforce continuity issues today, never mind that the tariffs may exacerbate the issue through inevitable workforce reductions. The bottom line is that there aren’t enough people to get the job done in 2025. Equally concerning, there aren’t enough people training for these jobs in America.
| The Impact of the Long-Term Labor Shift in American Society | ||
| The World Has Changed | So Many Openings | More on the Horizon |
| In 1970, over 25% of American workers held jobs in manufacturing. Today, it’s only about 8%.3 | As of February 2025, there were 482,000 manufacturing job openings.4 | An estimated 1.9 million jobs may go unfilled in manufacturing by 2033.4 |
According to recent data, the automotive sector faces a vacancy rate of 4.3 vacancies per 100 employees, which is 43% higher than the average across all industries. This points to a significant skills gap in the sector.1 Further, NADA reports that to keep pace with retirements and new jobs, the industry needs to replace approximately 76,000 technicians each year. Yet, America’s technical colleges and training programs graduate about 37,000 new technicians annually, leaving approximately 39,000 jobs unfilled.2
Where Have All the Workers Gone?
Changing economic dynamics and America’s push for college education have ultimately discouraged the pursuit of skilled trades. The focus on higher education has led to underinvestment in vocational education. Another significant factor is the aging workforce. Many people working in automotive are Baby Boomers approaching retirement age. Plus, technology shifts like EVs and automation demand new technical competencies in short supply among existing workers.
What Jobs are the Hardest to Fill?
Roles that typically involve manual labor, technical skills, and hands-on work. Many of these positions require specialized training, apprenticeships, or certifications, and demand a high level of expertise, precision, and physical endurance.
- Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics
- Tool & Die Makers
- CNC Machinists & Programmers
- Industrial Electricians
- Maintenance Technicians (Mechanical & Electrical)
- Welders (Especially Robotic Welding Techs)
- Paint and Coating Technicians
- Assembly Line Workers (Skilled/Advanced Roles)
How Can Manufacturers Solve This?
Automotive manufacturers need to overcome negative perceptions and outdated stereotypes to attract the next generation. It’s also about bringing the existing workforce up to speed with new technology and filling gaps to ensure manufacturing output can meet demand.
AFIMAC is Helping Automakers Fill the Gap.
AFIMAC is here to help automotive manufacturers weather these uncertain times and challenges. We have the expertise to help you prepare and manage work stoppages and the travel labor to get the job done.
For more than 40 years, AFIMAC has offered temporary travel labor, labor dispute security, and executive security services to help leading businesses manage serious risks to operational continuity. We pride ourselves on partnering with clients to fill labor gaps and protect people and property vital to normal operations—during times of crisis, opportunity, or regular business operations.
Read More: The Great Manufacturing (Re) Migration: Why Nearshoring, Reshoring, and Strategic Labor Flexibility are Reshaping the Supply Chain
Offshoring once promised low costs and high efficiency—but in 2025, the equation is changing fast. Rising wages in Asia, volatile trade relations, and pandemic-era supply chain lessons are all contributing to a decline in traditional offshoring strategies. In “The Great Manufacturing (Re)Migration,” we explore how manufacturers are pivoting toward nearshoring, reshoring, and hybrid models to gain flexibility, resilience, and regional advantage. Download the paper to see why offshoring might be losing its edge—and what’s taking its place.
