Cummins JEP Presents: Careers in Manufacturing & Engineering With the Use of Cobots

A Manufacturing Workforce Challenge in Western New York

Manufacturing is the third largest industry sector in the Western New York region. The three county region of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua served by Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) employs over 18,000 people and generates $7.5 billion in manufacturing shipments. Manufacturing in the three county region accounts for 15% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average. Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that, due to retirements and growth , there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Without a concerted effort through a private, public and education partnership to address the manufacturing workforce demand, the Western New York economy will be devastated, leaving manufacturers unable to produce, grow, and meet the challenges of competing in a global economy.



Manufacturing is a significant component of the Western New York economy. There are 330 manufacturers in the three county region of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.



The six priority skilled job categories are in welding, machining, electro-mechanical technology, mechanics, quality assurance inspecting, and electrical and production operations. The average salary in these roles is $42,035, which is 9% above the average $38,600 salary in the region.



An up-turn in the economy, compounded by the re-shoring of manufacturing has helped the sector rebound and gain strength in Western New York. A reinvigorated manufacturing sector will require a skilled workforce to continue this growth pattern.



Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) is addressing the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordination of stakeholders and resources in the region.



Dream It Do It WNY Mission and Vision

Dream It Do It Western New York is proactively responding to the workforce challenges faced by manufacturers. Our mission is to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering manufacturing careers.



The Dream It Do It manufacturing career initiative is a program of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, with a vision to provide local manufacturers with a labor force that has the skill and training levels required to meet their demands.