Manufacturing’s Workforce Crisis Is Real

During the segment, COMP’s Founder and Managing Director, Batina Aloisi explained why partnerships between schools and manufacturers are becoming increasingly urgent.

By 2030, an estimated 10 million manufacturing workers are expected to retire from the industry. At the same time, the United States is already facing a shortage of more than 500,000 skilled manufacturing and technical workers. In aerospace and defense (one of Colorado’s largest and most strategic industries), the average worker is nearing retirement age.

The shortage affects far more than factory floors. Colorado’s aerospace and defense supply chain supports national security, advanced technology development, and critical infrastructure. Small and mid-sized manufacturers supplying major organizations like Lockheed Martin and Space Force depend on a skilled pipeline of machinists, CNC operators, welders, industrial electricians, maintenance technicians, and engineers to meet growing demand.

A Modern Manufacturing Classroom

Inside Sand Creek High School’s engineering and advanced manufacturing labs, students are already gaining the hands-on experience many employers struggle to find in entry-level applicants.

Nathan Wood, Sand Creek’s Engineering Department Chair, demonstrated how students use CNC milling machines to transform raw aluminum into precision-machined parts. This is the same type of work happening in real manufacturing facilities every day.

Wood explained that this is exactly what gets the younger generation ready to go make parts for the real world.

Here, students are not simply learning theory. They are reading technical prints, designing systems, operating machinery, building wiring harnesses, and solving real engineering problems. One student group is currently developing an automated gardening system capable of sensing soil moisture and adjusting watering levels automatically. Another team is helping build a marquee display for COMP2026.

For many students, the program is already shaping career plans.

Why CTE Matters

Career and Technical Education programs like Sand Creek’s are becoming one of the strongest solutions to the manufacturing workforce gap.

These programs provide students with:

• Real-world technical skills
• Industry exposure and career pathways
• Internship and job placement opportunities
• Experience with professional-grade equipment and software
• Direct connections to local employers

CTE programs show students that manufacturing and skilled trades are modern, innovative, and financially rewarding careers.

Manufacturing today includes advanced robotics, aerospace systems, clean technology, automation, AI-enabled production, semiconductors, and precision machining. Many careers offer strong salaries without requiring a traditional four-year degree. In aerospace alone, median wages can exceed $90,000 annually, while skilled trades like welding, machining, and industrial electrical work regularly lead to six-figure earning potential through certifications and hands-on experience.

COMP Aims to Connect Education and Industry

One of our goals is to bridge the gap between education and industry by creating opportunities for students to engage directly with manufacturers across Colorado.

We are working to:

• Connect manufacturers, suppliers, and partners
• Support workforce development initiatives
• Create internship and mentorship opportunities
• Help schools align curriculum with real industry needs
• Build pathways from classroom to career

Sand Creek High School is one example of that partnership in action.

Through COMP, students are gaining exposure to local manufacturers and participating in real-world engineering challenges. In our upcoming annual expo COMP2026, one of our initiatives, the Student Challenge, will place students in front of real manufacturing problems by asking CTE classrooms to reverse engineer industry-donated parts.

The COMP Student Challenge invites area high school CTE students to reverse-engineer a real machined aluminum part, donated by Springs Fabrication, then machine or 3D print their own version and compete for cash prizes through live judging on accuracy, craftsmanship, process, and how well they present and answer questions from the crowd, at the #COMP2026 Kickoff Networking event on October 13, 2026.

Programs like this give students practical experience while helping manufacturers engage directly with future talent.

In our recent segment with FOX21, we had the opportunity to highlight not just machines and technical projects, but also the energy, creativity, and capability of Colorado students preparing to enter the workforce.

That reality is exactly why COMP continues investing in partnerships with schools like Sand Creek High School. The future of manufacturing depends on creating stronger pipelines between classrooms and careers. And those pipelines are already producing results.

As Sand Creek Manufacturing Pathway Teacher Jason Mackay shared during the visit, students are not only completing internships but also earning employment opportunities while still in school.

For Colorado manufacturers, educators, and community leaders, the message is clear: workforce development starts early, and collaboration matters.

Looking Ahead to COMP2026

COMP2026 will continue this momentum by bringing together manufacturers, educators, students, and industry partners from across the state.

The event will feature:

• Student engineering and manufacturing challenges
• Networking opportunities
• Industry collaboration
• Workforce development initiatives
• Exhibitor and partnership opportunities

Industry partners interested in supporting Colorado’s future workforce are encouraged to get involved, meet students, and help shape the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Are you as excited as we are? Register here to attend COMP2026