The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry is grappling with what I have referred to as “the missing generation” – a noticeable absence of professionals in their forties and fifties creating a critical gap between industry veterans and newcomers. This demographic void threatens knowledge transfer, succession planning, and operational continuity at a crucial time for the industry.
I explore this phenomenon with industry John Mitchell, President & CEO of Global Electronics Association and Audrey McGuckin, Founder & CEO of McGuckin Group, uncovering how the massive offshoring of manufacturing to Asia during the 1990s and 2000s created a talent vacuum that persists today. Audrey and John reveal that this isn’t just a Western problem but a global challenge exacerbated by EMS companies’ historically slim profit margins limiting investment in talent development.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for addressing this talent challenge. Companies need robust succession planning with multiple candidates rather than one-to-one replacement approaches, especially given today’s volatile world. Our experts highlight how rebranding manufacturing careers away from outdated perceptions of “dirty factories” toward the reality of cutting-edge technology environments can attract fresh talent. They emphasize that today’s workers seek authentic company cultures, community engagement, meaningful connection, and customized hybrid work experiences.
Perhaps among the most powerful insights comes from Audrey on “stay interviews” – simple but transformative conversations led by a single question: “What would have to be true for you to feel inspired, motivated and valued?” This proactive approach identifies retention risks before they become resignation letters. As John aptly summarizes, “We can all buy the same parts and equipment. The differentiator in a company is people.” The message is clear: electronics manufacturers must treat talent development with the same strategic importance as capital investments to secure their future success.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
