American Bakers Association Warns of Looming Workforce Shortage
October 25, 2023 | 2 min to read
The American Bakers Association and ndp|analytics reveal alarming workforce shortages in the commercial baking industry, projecting 53,500 unfilled jobs by 2030 due to an aging workforce and increasing demand for skilled labor. Eric Dell, ABA President, warns that this crisis may compromise the industry's foundation, affecting critical roles in production, engineering, and distribution. The broader economic repercussions could total 148,000 forgone jobs and $9.7 billion in wages, impacting businesses and communities nationwide.
The American Bakers Association (ABA) in partnership with research firm, ndp|analytics, recently unveiled findings on the projected workforce deficits in the commercial baking industry.
As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, so does the need to address the workforce crisis. In a statement regarding the study, ABA President and CEO Eric Dell said, “The data speaks for itself and is a chasm that threatens the very foundation of our industry and requires immediate and collective action.”
Economic Impact
- The ongoing workforce shortage in commercial baking is poised to escalate, with employers struggling to occupy roles and an aging workforce headed toward retirement. At the current rate, the industry will have 53,500 unfilled jobs by 2030.
- Demand for skilled workers in commercial baking will be concentrated in the critical operational occupations of production, engineering and equipment maintenance, and shipping and distribution.
- By 2030, the ripple effect of these shortages will be felt throughout the supply chain, adversely impacting communities and businesses nationwide.
- The total impact (covering direct, indirect, and induced effects) reflects 148K forgone jobs, $9.7B forgone wages, $36.2B forgone output, and $3.3B in forgone taxes (direct only).
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