The manufacturing job market Criteria’ s 2026 Candidate Experience Report found that 61 % of manufacturing job candidates are considering leaving the industry. Additionally, 41 % of job seekers in the manufacturing industry say competition is too high. It was also cited as one of the least desirable industries to switch into.
Just 17 % of job seekers view employers’ use of AI positively and the same amount worry that AI could replace their jobs. Of all job seekers, 67 % believeAI will eliminate more jobs than it will create.
94 %
of companies expect to hire or repurpose workers through increased adoption of smart manufacturing technology
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