The State of Manufacturing Employee Training Report [2023]

Many manufacturers struggle to balance production targets with the need for continuous training. Limited budgets, time constraints, and outdated tools make it difficult to deliver consistent and effective learning experiences for frontline workers.

With rising turnover and an aging workforce, onboarding new hires effectively is crucial. Strong onboarding programs help new employees adapt faster, reduce errors, and maintain productivity from their first day on the job.

While traditional shadowing is still common, more companies are moving toward digital and on-the-job training. These methods allow workers to learn directly at their stations, improving knowledge retention and hands-on performance.

Manufacturers are turning to connected worker apps and digital tools to centralize training content, track completion, and make learning accessible on demand. This shift enables consistent, data-driven, and engaging workforce development.

Success is tracked through metrics like completion rates, engagement levels, safety compliance, and on-the-job performance improvements. Digital platforms make it easier to gather and analyze this data for continuous improvement.