GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Manufacturing Industry Statistics

Majority of manufacturing firms prioritize upskilling for growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

50% of manufacturing organizations plan to adopt augmented reality (AR) tools for maintenance and assembly training within the next two years

Statistic 2

75% of manufacturing companies plan to increase their use of digital twins for training and process optimization by 2025

Statistic 3

Approximately 35% of manufacturing companies are exploring or implementing blockchain technology for supply chain traceability in training contexts

Statistic 4

81% of manufacturing companies plan to leverage IoT sensors to collect real-time data for employee training purposes by 2025

Statistic 5

Only 40% of manufacturing employees feel confident in their ability to operate new digital tools

Statistic 6

78% of manufacturing companies consider upskilling essential for future growth

Statistic 7

65% of manufacturing workers believe digital skills are necessary for their future roles

Statistic 8

54% of manufacturing firms have increased investment in employee training programs over the past year

Statistic 9

85% of manufacturing companies report skill shortages in areas like automation and data analytics

Statistic 10

The global manufacturing upskilling market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030

Statistic 11

72% of manufacturing executives agree that reskilling efforts improve employee retention

Statistic 12

60% of manufacturing workers require training on cybersecurity due to increasing digital transformation

Statistic 13

70% of manufacturing companies believe that AI and machine learning are key areas for reskilling initiatives

Statistic 14

The average manufacturing worker invests approximately 20 hours annually in upskilling activities

Statistic 15

48% of manufacturing companies have partnered with educational institutions to facilitate workforce upskilling

Statistic 16

Less than 30% of small to mid-sized manufacturing firms have formal reskilling programs in place

Statistic 17

55% of manufacturing managers see a skills gap as a primary obstacle to digital transformation

Statistic 18

80% of manufacturing companies acknowledge the need for ongoing upskilling as a competitive advantage

Statistic 19

By 2025, it is estimated that 50% of manufacturing jobs will require advanced digital skills

Statistic 20

66% of manufacturing employees report that their current training programs do not fully prepare them for Industry 4.0 technologies

Statistic 21

Manufacturing companies that invest in upskilling see a 15% increase in productivity

Statistic 22

62% of new manufacturing jobs created in 2023 required reskilling of existing employees

Statistic 23

The most popular upskilling topics in manufacturing include robotics (68%), data analytics (55%), and cybersecurity (45%)

Statistic 24

Manufacturing companies that implement targeted reskilling programs see a 20% reduction in employee turnover

Statistic 25

70% of manufacturing workers are interested in learning new skills related to automation and smart manufacturing

Statistic 26

85% of manufacturing industry leaders believe that AI-driven training will become commonplace within five years

Statistic 27

60% of manufacturing firms report facing challenges in delivering effective digital training at scale

Statistic 28

Reskilling initiatives in manufacturing reduce skills obsolescence by 35%

Statistic 29

45% of manufacturing companies utilize virtual reality (VR) for employee training purposes

Statistic 30

On average, manufacturers spend 2.5% of their annual revenue on workforce upskilling

Statistic 31

50% of manufacturing companies plan to increase their investment in AI and automation-related reskilling within the next two years

Statistic 32

Small manufacturing firms are 40% less likely to have formal upskilling programs compared to larger corporations

Statistic 33

72% of manufacturing organizations report that upskilling positively impacts overall safety and compliance

Statistic 34

The digital transformation in manufacturing is expected to create approximately 12 million new jobs globally by 2030 contingent on adequate reskilling efforts

Statistic 35

68% of manufacturing employers identify technological adaptability as a critical component of employee training

Statistic 36

85% of manufacturing facilities plan to implement more cross-training programs to enhance workforce flexibility

Statistic 37

The average age of manufacturing workers is 44, highlighting the need for reskilling to address an aging workforce

Statistic 38

Industry reports indicate that 60% of manufacturing workers do not have access to ongoing digital upskilling resources

Statistic 39

75% of manufacturing companies view upskilling as a crucial strategy for digital transformation

Statistic 40

Reskilling can increase worker productivity by up to 25% when properly implemented

Statistic 41

62% of manufacturing companies are actively developing or expanding their digital training programs in 2023

Statistic 42

Women constitute approximately 12% of the manufacturing workforce, indicating a potential area for targeted upskilling and diversity initiatives

Statistic 43

73% of manufacturing workers express interest in learning about Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance their career prospects

Statistic 44

Companies investing in reskilling see a 17% higher customer satisfaction score, according to recent industry surveys

Statistic 45

54% of manufacturing SMEs report difficulties in finding skilled workers due to inadequate training programs

Statistic 46

79% of manufacturing firms are considering or implementing virtual instructor-led training as part of their upskilling efforts

Statistic 47

AI-powered simulation training reduces onboarding time for new manufacturing employees by 30%

Statistic 48

40% of manufacturing companies believe reskilling initiatives should be more customized to individual employee needs

Statistic 49

The adoption rate of IoT-enabled machinery in manufacturing has increased by 45% over the past three years, emphasizing the need for digital skills training

Statistic 50

Cross-functional training programs have shown to improve operational efficiency by 20%

Statistic 51

66% of manufacturing workers are open to job roles that involve learning new digital technologies

Statistic 52

The global upskilling and reskilling market for manufacturing is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%

Statistic 53

Increasing automation has led to a 25% rise in the number of training hours per employee in the manufacturing industry

Statistic 54

Approximately 60% of manufacturing companies integrate gamified learning platforms into their upskilling programs

Statistic 55

Data-driven decision-making training is prioritized in 68% of manufacturing upskilling programs

Statistic 56

On-the-job training programs account for approximately 80% of upskilling efforts in manufacturing

Statistic 57

Approximately 40% of manufacturing companies report that language barriers hinder effective upskilling, especially in global teams

Statistic 58

The average cost of reskilling a manufacturing employee ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the training modality

Statistic 59

85% of manufacturing industry leaders agree that continuous learning is key to adapting to technological changes

Statistic 60

Manufacturing workers who engage in monthly upskilling activities are 30% more likely to be promoted

Statistic 61

72% of manufacturing companies report success in reducing downtime through targeted employee reskilling programs

Statistic 62

55% of manufacturing firms allocate a specific budget for digital upskilling each fiscal year

Statistic 63

50% of manufacturing companies prioritize reskilling initiatives to meet sustainability and green manufacturing goals

Statistic 64

Nearly 60% of manufacturing managers believe that collaborative online learning platforms enhance training outcomes

Statistic 65

67% of manufacturing employees would participate in more upskilling if offered flexible, self-paced digital courses

Statistic 66

The integration of AI in employee assessment for upskilling purposes has increased by 50% over the past two years

Statistic 67

80% of manufacturing firms cite workforce agility as a key benefit of upskilling programs

Statistic 68

63% of manufacturing technicians report that virtual reality enhances their understanding of complex machinery

Statistic 69

In 2023, nearly 50% of manufacturing companies experienced difficulty sourcing workers with advanced digital skills

Statistic 70

Manufacturing companies that utilize data analytics in their training programs report a 22% increase in operational efficiency

Statistic 71

Training in soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork has increased by 40% among manufacturing workforces over the last five years

Statistic 72

58% of manufacturing leaders believe that AI-driven personalized training will significantly improve learning outcomes

Statistic 73

The average upskilling period for manufacturing employees to master new technologies is 6 to 12 months, depending on complexity

Statistic 74

45% of manufacturing workers report that their current training programs lack practical, hands-on components

Statistic 75

The global demand for manufacturing-specific upskilling content increased by 50% between 2021 and 2023, indicating a rapidly growing market

Statistic 76

66% of manufacturing organizations report that their upskilling efforts contribute to compliance with new safety regulations

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Key Highlights

78% of manufacturing companies consider upskilling essential for future growth
65% of manufacturing workers believe digital skills are necessary for their future roles
54% of manufacturing firms have increased investment in employee training programs over the past year
Only 40% of manufacturing employees feel confident in their ability to operate new digital tools
85% of manufacturing companies report skill shortages in areas like automation and data analytics
The global manufacturing upskilling market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030
72% of manufacturing executives agree that reskilling efforts improve employee retention
60% of manufacturing workers require training on cybersecurity due to increasing digital transformation
70% of manufacturing companies believe that AI and machine learning are key areas for reskilling initiatives
The average manufacturing worker invests approximately 20 hours annually in upskilling activities
48% of manufacturing companies have partnered with educational institutions to facilitate workforce upskilling
Less than 30% of small to mid-sized manufacturing firms have formal reskilling programs in place
55% of manufacturing managers see a skills gap as a primary obstacle to digital transformation

With 78% of manufacturing companies deeming upskilling essential for future growth and over 70% investing heavily in digital training, the manufacturing industry stands at a pivotal crossroad where reskilling and upskilling are not just competitive advantages but vital for bridging the skilled labor gap and embracing Industry 4.0.

Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption

50% of manufacturing organizations plan to adopt augmented reality (AR) tools for maintenance and assembly training within the next two years
75% of manufacturing companies plan to increase their use of digital twins for training and process optimization by 2025
Approximately 35% of manufacturing companies are exploring or implementing blockchain technology for supply chain traceability in training contexts
81% of manufacturing companies plan to leverage IoT sensors to collect real-time data for employee training purposes by 2025

Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption Interpretation

As manufacturing industries gear up for a technological renaissance, the focus on augmented reality, digital twins, blockchain, and IoT underscores their strategic move toward integrating digital skills for smarter, more efficient, and transparent operations by 2025.

Employee Confidence and Perceptions

Only 40% of manufacturing employees feel confident in their ability to operate new digital tools

Employee Confidence and Perceptions Interpretation

With only 40% of manufacturing employees feeling confident in handling new digital tools, the industry faces a crucial digital divide that could hinder its future competitiveness unless upskilling efforts are urgently prioritized.

Workforce Skills and Upskilling Trends

78% of manufacturing companies consider upskilling essential for future growth
65% of manufacturing workers believe digital skills are necessary for their future roles
54% of manufacturing firms have increased investment in employee training programs over the past year
85% of manufacturing companies report skill shortages in areas like automation and data analytics
The global manufacturing upskilling market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030
72% of manufacturing executives agree that reskilling efforts improve employee retention
60% of manufacturing workers require training on cybersecurity due to increasing digital transformation
70% of manufacturing companies believe that AI and machine learning are key areas for reskilling initiatives
The average manufacturing worker invests approximately 20 hours annually in upskilling activities
48% of manufacturing companies have partnered with educational institutions to facilitate workforce upskilling
Less than 30% of small to mid-sized manufacturing firms have formal reskilling programs in place
55% of manufacturing managers see a skills gap as a primary obstacle to digital transformation
80% of manufacturing companies acknowledge the need for ongoing upskilling as a competitive advantage
By 2025, it is estimated that 50% of manufacturing jobs will require advanced digital skills
66% of manufacturing employees report that their current training programs do not fully prepare them for Industry 4.0 technologies
Manufacturing companies that invest in upskilling see a 15% increase in productivity
62% of new manufacturing jobs created in 2023 required reskilling of existing employees
The most popular upskilling topics in manufacturing include robotics (68%), data analytics (55%), and cybersecurity (45%)
Manufacturing companies that implement targeted reskilling programs see a 20% reduction in employee turnover
70% of manufacturing workers are interested in learning new skills related to automation and smart manufacturing
85% of manufacturing industry leaders believe that AI-driven training will become commonplace within five years
60% of manufacturing firms report facing challenges in delivering effective digital training at scale
Reskilling initiatives in manufacturing reduce skills obsolescence by 35%
45% of manufacturing companies utilize virtual reality (VR) for employee training purposes
On average, manufacturers spend 2.5% of their annual revenue on workforce upskilling
50% of manufacturing companies plan to increase their investment in AI and automation-related reskilling within the next two years
Small manufacturing firms are 40% less likely to have formal upskilling programs compared to larger corporations
72% of manufacturing organizations report that upskilling positively impacts overall safety and compliance
The digital transformation in manufacturing is expected to create approximately 12 million new jobs globally by 2030 contingent on adequate reskilling efforts
68% of manufacturing employers identify technological adaptability as a critical component of employee training
85% of manufacturing facilities plan to implement more cross-training programs to enhance workforce flexibility
The average age of manufacturing workers is 44, highlighting the need for reskilling to address an aging workforce
Industry reports indicate that 60% of manufacturing workers do not have access to ongoing digital upskilling resources
75% of manufacturing companies view upskilling as a crucial strategy for digital transformation
Reskilling can increase worker productivity by up to 25% when properly implemented
62% of manufacturing companies are actively developing or expanding their digital training programs in 2023
Women constitute approximately 12% of the manufacturing workforce, indicating a potential area for targeted upskilling and diversity initiatives
73% of manufacturing workers express interest in learning about Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance their career prospects
Companies investing in reskilling see a 17% higher customer satisfaction score, according to recent industry surveys
54% of manufacturing SMEs report difficulties in finding skilled workers due to inadequate training programs
79% of manufacturing firms are considering or implementing virtual instructor-led training as part of their upskilling efforts
AI-powered simulation training reduces onboarding time for new manufacturing employees by 30%
40% of manufacturing companies believe reskilling initiatives should be more customized to individual employee needs
The adoption rate of IoT-enabled machinery in manufacturing has increased by 45% over the past three years, emphasizing the need for digital skills training
Cross-functional training programs have shown to improve operational efficiency by 20%
66% of manufacturing workers are open to job roles that involve learning new digital technologies
The global upskilling and reskilling market for manufacturing is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%
Increasing automation has led to a 25% rise in the number of training hours per employee in the manufacturing industry
Approximately 60% of manufacturing companies integrate gamified learning platforms into their upskilling programs
Data-driven decision-making training is prioritized in 68% of manufacturing upskilling programs
On-the-job training programs account for approximately 80% of upskilling efforts in manufacturing
Approximately 40% of manufacturing companies report that language barriers hinder effective upskilling, especially in global teams
The average cost of reskilling a manufacturing employee ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the training modality
85% of manufacturing industry leaders agree that continuous learning is key to adapting to technological changes
Manufacturing workers who engage in monthly upskilling activities are 30% more likely to be promoted
72% of manufacturing companies report success in reducing downtime through targeted employee reskilling programs
55% of manufacturing firms allocate a specific budget for digital upskilling each fiscal year
50% of manufacturing companies prioritize reskilling initiatives to meet sustainability and green manufacturing goals
Nearly 60% of manufacturing managers believe that collaborative online learning platforms enhance training outcomes
67% of manufacturing employees would participate in more upskilling if offered flexible, self-paced digital courses
The integration of AI in employee assessment for upskilling purposes has increased by 50% over the past two years
80% of manufacturing firms cite workforce agility as a key benefit of upskilling programs
63% of manufacturing technicians report that virtual reality enhances their understanding of complex machinery
In 2023, nearly 50% of manufacturing companies experienced difficulty sourcing workers with advanced digital skills
Manufacturing companies that utilize data analytics in their training programs report a 22% increase in operational efficiency
Training in soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork has increased by 40% among manufacturing workforces over the last five years
58% of manufacturing leaders believe that AI-driven personalized training will significantly improve learning outcomes
The average upskilling period for manufacturing employees to master new technologies is 6 to 12 months, depending on complexity
45% of manufacturing workers report that their current training programs lack practical, hands-on components
The global demand for manufacturing-specific upskilling content increased by 50% between 2021 and 2023, indicating a rapidly growing market
66% of manufacturing organizations report that their upskilling efforts contribute to compliance with new safety regulations

Workforce Skills and Upskilling Trends Interpretation

With 78% of manufacturing firms deeming upskilling essential and 85% acknowledging skills shortages in automation and data analytics, it’s clear that in this industry, staying static isn’t an option; rather, continuous digital and technical reskilling—despite smaller firms lagging behind—is the key to turning workforce challenges into competitive advantages and preventing obsolescence in the era of Industry 4.0.