BDCC Launches Manufacturing Hiring Needs Survey
Are you a manufacturer in southeastern Vermont? BDCC would like to learn more about your hiring needs.
For 70 years, BDCC has supported the region’s manufacturing sector, from tiny startups through expanding global companies. Manufacturing is critical to this region’s economic vitality. So, understanding this sector’s employment needs and opportunities helps BDCC better support each unique business. Periodically, BDCC directly surveys local employers, sometimes across sectors but in other cases, diving deep into specific industries or occupational sets. Five years ago, BDCC conducted a hiring needs survey that provided critical detail on the size and nature of workforce needs in the local manufacturing sector. Based on the survey respondents at that time, there was a projected demand of at least 530 new manufacturing workers over five years. The positions ranged from entry level to people with five plus years of experience.
These surveys are important because national and state data is not typically sensitive enough to represent the unique needs of regional companies. State and national labor projections are, to a large extent, based on trends and assumptions rather than direct input from local employers. The new data collected will deepen BDCC’s understanding of the granular workforce needs that frame day-to-day challenges and opportunities for both employers and people in the workforce. It is critical to helping this region respond to a growing need for employment, a persistent need for talent, and the need to retain and sustain key employers.
With the 2025 Manufacturing Hiring Needs Survey, BDCC will update that research to understand how needs have changed. This information helps BDCC develop or adapt services, projects and programs to help companies thrive here in Southeastern Vermont. If you are a manufacturer of any size or product, please consider taking the survey.
Complete the new Manufacturing Hiring Needs Survey HERE
Read the previous Manufacturing Hiring Needs Assessment Report HERE
About the Workforce Center of Excellence
The Workforce Center of Excellence (WFCoE) is a workforce and career training and education initiative of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation that helps people take the next step in their career pathway. It supports both youth and adults, working Vermonters and those entering the workforce with one-to-one assistance, supportive services and career readiness training. The WFCoE leverages BDCC’s relationships with employers and workforce development partners, supporting both sides of the labor exchange to connect people with opportunity, and employers with the talent they need. The WFCoE is funded in part by a Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission and US Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration (ETA).
Funding under WORC 5 – NBRC via the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as part of an award totaling $1,038,681 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources, and 100% financed with governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by BDCC, DOL, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please contact BDCC at ExecutiveDirector@brattleborodevelopment.com.
