#Technology: #Apple Forges New Employment Trend

A recent announcement by Apple adds momentum to en emerging trend, forcing the tech community to react…

At an interview with Apple’s Tim Cook, the tech giant revealed it plans to bring more manufacturing onshore. Some of the company’s product line is already either being assembled in the U.S. or having some parts made here before being shipped overseas to be assembled. Cook unveiled plans to invest over $100 million to bring more operations back onshore.

This may be partially a PR move after criticism of working conditions in China plants, as well as in anticipation of more government pressure on those hiring overseas. Interestingly Apple says more U.S. based operations and manufacturing haven’t actually been hampered by expenses but more by a lack of skilled workers.

At the same time more and more Chinese firms have been setting up company in the U.S. including manufacturing plants and “reverse outsourcing” has seen more foreign firms hiring U.S. contractors.

So what does it all mean for today’s entrepreneurs and tomorrow’s business leaders?

For a start, we would hope to see more job creation stateside, though Apple’s hiring alone won’t have a major impact on national employment figures. Still, young Americans need to really think about their training and career path if they want to have relevant skills and be employed in good paying jobs.

With this onshore approach and U.S. workers becoming more in demand from firms around the globe, today’s startups may want to consider hiring more U.S. based staff, even when it comes to remote contractors and freelancers.

However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Entrepreneurs had better take a serious look at what they really have to offer and have a plan to increase their appeal as an employer. Remember that the last couple of years have been an “employer’s market” but as the economy improves that will change to an “employee’s market” and it is going to be harder to attract and hold onto the top talent.

Expect more of this trend to come, especially when it comes to technology in the U.S. and particularly in places like Florida with the widening of the Panama Canal.