Food manufacturing jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to fill. There’s a shortage of qualified job applicants, especially for jobs that require more technical skill. Making matters worse is the projection that 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2025, according to “The skills gap in US manufacturing 2015-2025 outlook,” published by Deloitte Consulting LLP, New York, and The Manufacturing Institute, Washington, D.C.
To combat these growing issues, food manufacturers must adapt to the trends of today’s workforce. A recent study by Intuit, Mountain View, Calif., predicts that 40% of Americans will be independent contractors by 2020. In manufacturing, the gig economy—a temporary workforce for short-term engagements—can provide businesses with a gateway to a large pool of on-demand workers who are able to effectively and efficiently fill workforce gaps.