Deficit of qualified technical personnel in plastic injection processes for the states of Sonora and Chihuahua

Deficit of qualified technical personnel in plastic injection processes

Abstract

The present study analyzes the shortage of technical personnel specialized in plastic injection molding in the industries of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. As Latin American economies have prospered thanks to the commodities boom and manufacturing outsourcing by the United States, a growing demand for skilled labor has been generated. This research focuses on determining whether there is a deficit in technical knowledge between what companies require and what the labor market offers, especially in the automotive, medical and aeronautical sectors. The research was descriptive and quantitative, with data collection through questionnaires applied to companies located in Sonora and Chihuahua. 39 companies in the injection molding sector were contacted, of which 24 completed the questionnaire. This consisted of four sections focused on the complexity of the processes, staff training, educational offerings, and employee rotation. The investigation confirms that there is a significant shortage of technical personnel specialized in injection molding in Sonora and Chihuahua. Companies face high turnover costs and over-budgeted salaries due to this shortage. The need to improve the educational and technical training offer in these regions is evident to satisfy industrial demand and attract new investments.