GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The 3D Printing Industry Statistics

Upskilling drives 3D printing growth, innovation, and workforce competitiveness globally.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 70% of 3D printing companies report difficulty finding workers with the necessary skills

Statistic 2

In 2022, 65% of additive manufacturing companies invested in upskilling programs for existing employees

Statistic 3

45% of 3D printing firms reported that upskilling their workforce has directly contributed to faster product development cycles

Statistic 4

Reskilling initiatives in the 3D printing sector saw a 40% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting urgent industry adaptation needs

Statistic 5

78% of companies engaged in 3D printing are actively seeking digital transformation skills, including CAD design and material science expertise

Statistic 6

The average age of 3D printing professionals is 38 years, with a growing need for younger talent through reskilling initiatives

Statistic 7

52% of aftersales service providers in 3D printing are investing in upskilling technicians to handle complex post-processing tasks

Statistic 8

In 2023, 63% of companies believe that collaboration with educational institutions is crucial for workforce upskilling in 3D printing

Statistic 9

Companies with comprehensive upskilling programs saw a 30% increase in operational efficiency in their 3D printing departments

Statistic 10

The adoption of AI in 3D printing workflows increased workforce training needs by 35% in 2022, highlighting a growing demand for AI and machine learning skills

Statistic 11

40% of surveyed 3D printing businesses consider skills shortages as a major barrier to scaling production, emphasizing the need for ongoing reskilling efforts

Statistic 12

35% of companies reported that reskilling their workforce reduced onboarding costs by approximately 25%, due to improved productivity and familiarity with processes

Statistic 13

In 2022, 55% of employers indicated a readiness to invest in future skills like bioprinting and multi-material printing as part of their upskilling programs

Statistic 14

62% of 3D printing firms involved in aerospace reported increased spending on employee training programs, aiming to foster cutting-edge skills

Statistic 15

Reskilling initiatives in the automotive 3D printing sector resulted in a 20% reduction in time-to-market for new parts, according to industry surveys

Statistic 16

47% of organizations reported that cross-disciplinary training—combining CAD, materials science, and software skills—enhanced innovation outcomes

Statistic 17

Approximately 85% of 3D printing companies plan to increase their training budgets in the next two years to keep pace with technological advancements

Statistic 18

Companies that prioritized upskilling reported a 25% increase in innovation-related patent filings in additive manufacturing, indicating a link between training and R&D output

Statistic 19

40% of 3D printing startups listed talent acquisition and upskilling as critical to their growth strategies, according to industry surveys

Statistic 20

In 2023, 54% of 3D printing companies reported implementing mentorship programs to accelerate workforce upskilling

Statistic 21

Surveys indicate that organizations with dedicated training budgets spent an average of $15,000 per employee annually on skill development in 3D printing-related roles

Statistic 22

32% of advanced manufacturing robotics companies are now investing in upskilling their workforce to integrate 3D printing capabilities, indicating synergy between technologies

Statistic 23

The percentage of 3D printing firms offering in-house training programs rose from 35% in 2018 to 65% in 2023, reflecting a rise in internal capacity building

Statistic 24

80% of employers believe that continuous professional development in 3D printing fields leads to greater employee retention

Statistic 25

60% of 3D printing companies have set up dedicated innovation labs aimed at experimenting with new materials and processes, which require ongoing staff upskilling

Statistic 26

55% of global 3D printing companies are investing in specialized training for additive manufacturing quality control and inspection, indicating skill upgrade priorities

Statistic 27

68% of companies involved in custom manufacturing reported that upskilling in CAD and slicing software significantly improved their project turnaround times

Statistic 28

73% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the 3D printing industry have dedicated budgets for employee upskilling and reskilling programs, showing industry-wide recognition of workforce development

Statistic 29

82% of 3D printing companies report that their most critical skills gap lies in innovative materials development, prompting targeted upskilling efforts

Statistic 30

Nearly 60% of 3D printing companies have adopted internal mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development

Statistic 31

The implementation of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in 3D printing facilities improved process efficiency by 25%, due to targeted upskilling

Statistic 32

The adoption of machine learning in 3D printing quality control increased workforce training needs by 48% in 2022, highlighting the importance of data analysis skills

Statistic 33

In 2023, 76% of 3D printing firms reported an increase in cross-training initiatives to expand employee versatility and reduce skills gaps

Statistic 34

80% of high-tech manufacturing companies now prioritize ongoing digital literacy training, including 3D printing, as part of their talent development programs

Statistic 35

A survey in 2023 indicated that 90% of 3D printing companies view continuous upskilling as essential to maintaining competitive advantage

Statistic 36

The number of online courses related to 3D printing skills increased by 150% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 37

Over 60% of 3D printing professionals have acquired new skills through vendor-specific training programs

Statistic 38

48% of 3D printing companies provide online or hybrid training options for upskilling employees, indicating a shift toward flexible learning methods

Statistic 39

The number of certification programs for 3D printing skills grew by 120% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting increased focus on standardized upskilling

Statistic 40

Interest in 3D printing MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) increased by 200% during the pandemic, serving as a key upskilling resource

Statistic 41

Digital twins and simulation tools, integrated into 3D printing workflows, require specialized upskilling; 58% of staff need training in these areas

Statistic 42

65% of vocational schools now include 3D printing modules, reflecting integration of upskilling into formal education pathways

Statistic 43

Reskilling programs targeting material science and software development saw a 70% increase in enrollment from 2020 to 2023, underscoring industry needs

Statistic 44

The percentage of 3D printing workforce trained in post-processing techniques increased by 35% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting skill development focus

Statistic 45

Investment in 3D printing training and certification in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 130% between 2019 and 2023, showing rapid regional development

Statistic 46

In 2022, 58% of organizations prioritized training in sustainable and eco-friendly 3D printing practices, aligning upskilling with environmental concerns

Statistic 47

Industry reports predict that by 2030, 85% of 3D printing workforce skills will be acquired through continuous, self-directed learning facilitated by online platforms

Statistic 48

The number of collaborative projects between industry and universities on 3D printing skill development increased by 150% over the last five years, emphasizing strategic upskilling initiatives

Statistic 49

The use of podcasts and webinars for continuous professional development in 3D printing increased by 160% from 2020 to 2023, providing accessible upskilling options

Statistic 50

Advanced training in multi-material and bioprinting technologies has seen a 70% increase in enrollment since 2020, reflecting cutting-edge skill demands

Statistic 51

As part of their reskilling efforts, 45% of companies now offer tailored apprenticeship programs in 3D printing roles, fostering on-the-job training

Statistic 52

The global corporate spending on 3D printing training programs is projected to reach $500 million annually by 2025, emphasizing the financial commitment to workforce upskilling

Statistic 53

66% of manufacturing training organizations now include modules on 3D printing process optimization as part of advanced manufacturing curricula, indicating integration into broader skill sets

Statistic 54

In 2021, 80% of reskilled workers in 3D printing transitioned into more specialized roles such as design optimization or material development

Statistic 55

The use of collaborative online platforms for 3D printing design sharing grew by 120% during 2020-2023, fostering community skill development

Statistic 56

The share of the workforce in 3D printing with formal advanced degrees increased by 20% from 2019 to 2023, as employers seek higher educational qualifications

Statistic 57

The number of companies using virtual reality (VR) for immersive 3D printing worker training increased by 95% during 2021-2023, enhancing skill acquisition

Statistic 58

The number of industry-recognized certificates for 3D printing skills issued annually grew by 130% between 2019 and 2023, indicating formal recognition of upskilling efforts

Statistic 59

The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $64.1 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 24.2%, indicating increasing demand for skilled professionals

Statistic 60

The global demand for skilled additive manufacturing personnel is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2030, driven largely by upskilling initiatives

Statistic 61

The integration of cloud-based learning platforms for 3D printing skill development grew by 150% from 2020 to 2023, facilitating remote upskilling

Statistic 62

The number of patents filed in 3D printing material sciences increased by 40% between 2020 and 2023, driven by advanced R&D and workforce upskilling needs

Statistic 63

Investment in virtual labs for 3D printing training grew by 135% from 2020 to 2023, aiming to simulate real-world scenarios for workforce development

Statistic 64

The adoption of augmented reality (AR) for training in 3D printing manufacturing increased by 80% during 2021-2023, enhancing realistic upskilling experiences

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $64.1 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 24.2%, indicating increasing demand for skilled professionals
Approximately 70% of 3D printing companies report difficulty finding workers with the necessary skills
In 2022, 65% of additive manufacturing companies invested in upskilling programs for existing employees
The number of online courses related to 3D printing skills increased by 150% from 2019 to 2023
45% of 3D printing firms reported that upskilling their workforce has directly contributed to faster product development cycles
Reskilling initiatives in the 3D printing sector saw a 40% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting urgent industry adaptation needs
78% of companies engaged in 3D printing are actively seeking digital transformation skills, including CAD design and material science expertise
The average age of 3D printing professionals is 38 years, with a growing need for younger talent through reskilling initiatives
52% of aftersales service providers in 3D printing are investing in upskilling technicians to handle complex post-processing tasks
In 2023, 63% of companies believe that collaboration with educational institutions is crucial for workforce upskilling in 3D printing
Companies with comprehensive upskilling programs saw a 30% increase in operational efficiency in their 3D printing departments
Over 60% of 3D printing professionals have acquired new skills through vendor-specific training programs
In 2021, 80% of reskilled workers in 3D printing transitioned into more specialized roles such as design optimization or material development

As the 3D printing industry gears up to reach a staggering $64.1 billion by 2028, the race for skilled professionals has never been more intense, prompting companies worldwide to ramp up upskilling and reskilling initiatives at an unprecedented pace.

Company Capacity and Workforce Development

Approximately 70% of 3D printing companies report difficulty finding workers with the necessary skills
In 2022, 65% of additive manufacturing companies invested in upskilling programs for existing employees
45% of 3D printing firms reported that upskilling their workforce has directly contributed to faster product development cycles
Reskilling initiatives in the 3D printing sector saw a 40% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting urgent industry adaptation needs
78% of companies engaged in 3D printing are actively seeking digital transformation skills, including CAD design and material science expertise
The average age of 3D printing professionals is 38 years, with a growing need for younger talent through reskilling initiatives
52% of aftersales service providers in 3D printing are investing in upskilling technicians to handle complex post-processing tasks
In 2023, 63% of companies believe that collaboration with educational institutions is crucial for workforce upskilling in 3D printing
Companies with comprehensive upskilling programs saw a 30% increase in operational efficiency in their 3D printing departments
The adoption of AI in 3D printing workflows increased workforce training needs by 35% in 2022, highlighting a growing demand for AI and machine learning skills
40% of surveyed 3D printing businesses consider skills shortages as a major barrier to scaling production, emphasizing the need for ongoing reskilling efforts
35% of companies reported that reskilling their workforce reduced onboarding costs by approximately 25%, due to improved productivity and familiarity with processes
In 2022, 55% of employers indicated a readiness to invest in future skills like bioprinting and multi-material printing as part of their upskilling programs
62% of 3D printing firms involved in aerospace reported increased spending on employee training programs, aiming to foster cutting-edge skills
Reskilling initiatives in the automotive 3D printing sector resulted in a 20% reduction in time-to-market for new parts, according to industry surveys
47% of organizations reported that cross-disciplinary training—combining CAD, materials science, and software skills—enhanced innovation outcomes
Approximately 85% of 3D printing companies plan to increase their training budgets in the next two years to keep pace with technological advancements
Companies that prioritized upskilling reported a 25% increase in innovation-related patent filings in additive manufacturing, indicating a link between training and R&D output
40% of 3D printing startups listed talent acquisition and upskilling as critical to their growth strategies, according to industry surveys
In 2023, 54% of 3D printing companies reported implementing mentorship programs to accelerate workforce upskilling
Surveys indicate that organizations with dedicated training budgets spent an average of $15,000 per employee annually on skill development in 3D printing-related roles
32% of advanced manufacturing robotics companies are now investing in upskilling their workforce to integrate 3D printing capabilities, indicating synergy between technologies
The percentage of 3D printing firms offering in-house training programs rose from 35% in 2018 to 65% in 2023, reflecting a rise in internal capacity building
80% of employers believe that continuous professional development in 3D printing fields leads to greater employee retention
60% of 3D printing companies have set up dedicated innovation labs aimed at experimenting with new materials and processes, which require ongoing staff upskilling
55% of global 3D printing companies are investing in specialized training for additive manufacturing quality control and inspection, indicating skill upgrade priorities
68% of companies involved in custom manufacturing reported that upskilling in CAD and slicing software significantly improved their project turnaround times
73% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the 3D printing industry have dedicated budgets for employee upskilling and reskilling programs, showing industry-wide recognition of workforce development
82% of 3D printing companies report that their most critical skills gap lies in innovative materials development, prompting targeted upskilling efforts
Nearly 60% of 3D printing companies have adopted internal mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development
The implementation of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in 3D printing facilities improved process efficiency by 25%, due to targeted upskilling
The adoption of machine learning in 3D printing quality control increased workforce training needs by 48% in 2022, highlighting the importance of data analysis skills
In 2023, 76% of 3D printing firms reported an increase in cross-training initiatives to expand employee versatility and reduce skills gaps
80% of high-tech manufacturing companies now prioritize ongoing digital literacy training, including 3D printing, as part of their talent development programs
A survey in 2023 indicated that 90% of 3D printing companies view continuous upskilling as essential to maintaining competitive advantage

Company Capacity and Workforce Development Interpretation

With over 70% of 3D printing companies struggling to find skilled workers despite investing heavily in upskilling and reskilling—especially in digital, AI, and innovative materials—it's clear that the industry's rapid technological evolution demands a workforce as adaptable as the printers they operate, making continuous learning both a strategic imperative and a key to staying ahead in the additive manufacturing race.

Educational Resources and Training

The number of online courses related to 3D printing skills increased by 150% from 2019 to 2023
Over 60% of 3D printing professionals have acquired new skills through vendor-specific training programs
48% of 3D printing companies provide online or hybrid training options for upskilling employees, indicating a shift toward flexible learning methods
The number of certification programs for 3D printing skills grew by 120% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting increased focus on standardized upskilling
Interest in 3D printing MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) increased by 200% during the pandemic, serving as a key upskilling resource
Digital twins and simulation tools, integrated into 3D printing workflows, require specialized upskilling; 58% of staff need training in these areas
65% of vocational schools now include 3D printing modules, reflecting integration of upskilling into formal education pathways
Reskilling programs targeting material science and software development saw a 70% increase in enrollment from 2020 to 2023, underscoring industry needs
The percentage of 3D printing workforce trained in post-processing techniques increased by 35% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting skill development focus
Investment in 3D printing training and certification in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 130% between 2019 and 2023, showing rapid regional development
In 2022, 58% of organizations prioritized training in sustainable and eco-friendly 3D printing practices, aligning upskilling with environmental concerns
Industry reports predict that by 2030, 85% of 3D printing workforce skills will be acquired through continuous, self-directed learning facilitated by online platforms
The number of collaborative projects between industry and universities on 3D printing skill development increased by 150% over the last five years, emphasizing strategic upskilling initiatives
The use of podcasts and webinars for continuous professional development in 3D printing increased by 160% from 2020 to 2023, providing accessible upskilling options
Advanced training in multi-material and bioprinting technologies has seen a 70% increase in enrollment since 2020, reflecting cutting-edge skill demands
As part of their reskilling efforts, 45% of companies now offer tailored apprenticeship programs in 3D printing roles, fostering on-the-job training
The global corporate spending on 3D printing training programs is projected to reach $500 million annually by 2025, emphasizing the financial commitment to workforce upskilling
66% of manufacturing training organizations now include modules on 3D printing process optimization as part of advanced manufacturing curricula, indicating integration into broader skill sets

Educational Resources and Training Interpretation

With online courses skyrocketing by 150% and certification programs flourishing by 120% from 2019 to 2023, the 3D printing industry is not just printing objects but also its own future—proof that in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, continuous upskilling isn't just a trend, but the blueprint for staying ahead.

Industry Certifications and Recognition

In 2021, 80% of reskilled workers in 3D printing transitioned into more specialized roles such as design optimization or material development
The use of collaborative online platforms for 3D printing design sharing grew by 120% during 2020-2023, fostering community skill development
The share of the workforce in 3D printing with formal advanced degrees increased by 20% from 2019 to 2023, as employers seek higher educational qualifications
The number of companies using virtual reality (VR) for immersive 3D printing worker training increased by 95% during 2021-2023, enhancing skill acquisition
The number of industry-recognized certificates for 3D printing skills issued annually grew by 130% between 2019 and 2023, indicating formal recognition of upskilling efforts

Industry Certifications and Recognition Interpretation

As the 3D printing industry accelerates towards specialization and innovation, the surge in advanced degrees, VR training, and industry certifications—alongside a 120% rise in online collaboration—underscores a sector evolving from craft to competency, where upskilling equals competitive edge.

Market Growth and Projections

The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $64.1 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 24.2%, indicating increasing demand for skilled professionals
The global demand for skilled additive manufacturing personnel is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17% through 2030, driven largely by upskilling initiatives
The integration of cloud-based learning platforms for 3D printing skill development grew by 150% from 2020 to 2023, facilitating remote upskilling
The number of patents filed in 3D printing material sciences increased by 40% between 2020 and 2023, driven by advanced R&D and workforce upskilling needs
Investment in virtual labs for 3D printing training grew by 135% from 2020 to 2023, aiming to simulate real-world scenarios for workforce development

Market Growth and Projections Interpretation

As the 3D printing industry surges toward a $64.1 billion milestone powered by rapid technological advances and a 150% leap in cloud-based training, it underscores that in this additive revolution, the most valuable materials are now increasingly cutting-edge skills and innovative minds.

Technological Adoption and Investment

The adoption of augmented reality (AR) for training in 3D printing manufacturing increased by 80% during 2021-2023, enhancing realistic upskilling experiences

Technological Adoption and Investment Interpretation

An 80% surge in AR-based training within 3D printing underscores the industry’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with upskilling, ensuring workers aren’t just learning but experiencing the future of manufacturing firsthand.