From Service to Skilled

This chapter examines how hospitality, retail, and service workers can help address labor shortages in manufacturing by bringing transferable soft skills such as reliability, communication, and adaptability. Based on grounded theory research conducted in Racine County, Wisconsin, the study identifies key themes including inclusive hiring practices, training programs, and talent development strategies. Findings highlight the manufacturing sector's openness to nontraditional candidates and emphasize the importance of targeted upskilling to bridge technical gaps. By reframing service sector workers as a valuable talent source, this research offers practical, scalable workforce development solutions for employers, economic developers, and policymakers aiming to strengthen and diversify the manufacturing labor pool.