The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast brought its show directly to the manufacturing community with a special live recording at the CBJ’s Manufacturing Conference in Cedar Rapids, Aug. 28. The episode featured an urgent discussion on how Iowa manufacturers can navigate the loss of 240,000 Baby Boomers from the workforce by 2030.
Podcast panelists Dawn Ealy of CIRAS, Steve Coleman of Colewell Automation, and Wendy Mihm-Herold of iJAG delivered a comprehensive roadmap for manufacturers facing this unprecedented workforce challenge.
Recording in front of conference attendees, the podcast highlighted critical workforce realities: workers aged 55 and older will soon represent over 40% of Iowa’s workforce, while Gen Z’s share of manufacturing jobs has already fallen to 7%. With annual job openings averaging nearly 218,000 through 2032 and automation projected to cover 30% of work hours by 2030, the live audience witnessed firsthand the urgency of addressing these challenges.
Three-part solution
The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast panel outlined three essential strategies during the live recording:
Embracing Automation: Solutions ranging from precision machining to robotic welding can help offset workforce reductions while maintaining production levels.
Retaining Senior Talent: Through flexible work arrangements, ergonomic tools, and mentorship roles, manufacturers can extend the productive careers of experienced workers.
Attracting Generation Z: Authentic workplace learning experiences, mentorship programs, and durable skill development are key to capturing younger talent.
Podcast’s call to action resonates with live audience
The live recording emphasized that manufacturers who fail to implement comprehensive workforce strategies addressing all three elements—automation, seniors, and Gen Z—risk critical labor and production shortfalls. The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast’s message was clear: securing the state’s manufacturing future requires immediate investment in both people and technology, along with intentional collaboration and bold adaptation.
Conference attendees can listen to the full episode when it releases on the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast’s regular channels. The podcast continues to cover manufacturing news, trends, and innovations without bias or hidden agendas.
