Manufacturing Skills Assessments: Ready for the “Reshoring” of US jobs?
As U.S. manufacturing makes a major comeback, companies face a new challenge—finding skilled workers. Manufacturing skills assessments are helping HR teams hire smarter and faster amid the reshoring surge.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why is U.S. manufacturing reshoring growing?
- What are the challenges in hiring skilled manufacturing workers?
- What core skills are required for manufacturing roles?
- How do manufacturing skills assessment tests help in the hiring process?
- What are the benefits of using assessments to hire smarter and reduce risk?
Manufacturing is coming home. Over the last few years, U.S. companies have been reshoring production at a record pace. From EV batteries to semiconductors, factories are opening across the country. And they’re hiring fast.
But here’s the catch: the talent pool hasn’t kept up. For HR teams, the challenge isn’t just filling roles, it’s making sure candidates actually have the skills to succeed.
That’s where a manufacturing skills assessment test comes in.
What’s Driving the Manufacturing Comeback?
The pandemic, supply chain meltdowns, and rising geopolitical tensions forced companies to rethink global manufacturing strategies. Add in new federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, and reshoring became more than just talk—it became action.
Now, major players like Intel, Ford, and Samsung are investing billions into U.S. manufacturing. In 2022 alone, more than 350,000 jobs were created through reshoring and foreign direct investment.
But manufacturing doesn’t just need warm bodies. It needs people with the right mix of practical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to keep up with tech-driven production lines.
What Skills Do Today’s Manufacturing Roles Require?
This isn’t the same manufacturing landscape from 20 years ago. Workers now need to be fast, accurate, and tech-comfortable. Some of the most in-demand skills include:
- Attention to detail: Avoiding costly mistakes in fast-moving environments.
- Basic math and measurement: Think unit conversions, fractions, and shop-floor calculations.
- Computer literacy: Many roles involve screens, not just power tools.
- Following safety protocols: Knowing how to stay compliant and avoid accidents.
- Problem-solving: Equipment breaks. Processes jam. Quick thinking matters.
Some candidates may say they can do all of this. But how can you be sure—before they’re on the floor?
The Power of Manufacturing Skills Assessments
A manufacturing skills test is designed specifically for hiring in light industrial and manufacturing roles.
It’s not some generic aptitude test—it’s built to assess the core capabilities that matter most in your day-to-day operations. Here’s what it evaluates:
- Attention to detail
- Basic math
- Computer literacy
- General employment skills (like safety, instructions, and quality control)
This basic manufacturing skills test gives hiring teams instant insight into whether a candidate has what it takes—before you waste time onboarding someone who isn’t ready.
Save Time. Reduce Risk. Hire Smarter with Manufacturing Skills Assessment Test
When your team is hiring for dozens—or even hundreds—of roles, speed matters. So does accuracy.
- Resumes can be misleading. Not every candidate with “experience” on paper has the precision or work ethic needed for your facility.
- Interviews don’t always uncover skill gaps. Especially when time is short and teams are under pressure to fill roles quickly.
By using manufacturing skills assessments early in the hiring process, you can:
- Filter out unqualified candidates automatically
- Reduce costly hiring mistakes
- Focus your interviews on people who are ready to go
You’ll also get more confident about hiring applicants from other industries—like logistics or warehouse work—because the test shows you whether they can transition with ease.
The Reshoring Trend Isn’t Slowing Down
With billions of dollars flowing into new U.S. manufacturing projects, the hiring demand isn’t going anywhere. But the companies that win in this reshoring surge will be the ones who invest in hiring smarter—not just faster.
That starts with better screening.
EmployTest’s manufacturing skills assessments help HR teams identify top candidates with the skills to succeed in industrial roles. Whether you’re staffing up a new plant or backfilling your core team, testing gives you the data you need to hire with confidence.
Ready to build your manufacturing team the right way?
Explore how EmployTest’s industrial skills assessments can help you hire faster with fewer surprises.