Labor Force in Mexico: Mexico Graduates More than 13,000 Engineers A Year [2023]

Last Updated on July 5, 2023

In addition to the question “How much does manufacturing in Mexico cost?”, one of the most frequently asked questions is in regards to the labor force in Mexico. Is the Mexican labor force qualified and well educated to handle my co-production?

The answer is: YES. According to the Washington Post, Mexico graduates more than 13,000 engineers a year from its universities, which is more than engineering graduates from Canada, Germany and Brazil, which is almost twice the size of Mexico. 

The Labor Force in Mexico Is Highly Educated

Mexico has an excellent educational system that promotes the development of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Since the early 1990s, their programs have grown substantially, and the coursework is almost identical to that offered at universities in the United States.

Mexican Universities are cooperating with U.S. Ivy League Universities in order to attract more Mexican students to their graduate programs. Mexico’s top universities include The Monterrey Institute of Tertiary Education and Technology (ITESM), Anahuac University, UNAM, and Instituto Politecnico Nacional.

The Benefit of Bilingual Employees

It is common for manufacturing organizations to have a wide range of employees, from highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees to factory workers who may not have a secondary education. For individuals who are serious about their engineering careers coming from Mexico, proficiency in English is considered a valuable skill.

It has been found that engineers and technicians are more likely to be proficient in English among Mexican students. The reason for this is that English is the language of choice for engineers and programmers.

Moreover, bilingual employees can assist employers in bridging cultural divides with foreign-born employees by ensuring the proper translation of materials as well as celebrating cultural customs and holidays.

Labor Force in Mexico is Filling The Talent Gap

According to Forbes, the labor force in Mexico is a talent pool that should be taken advantage of, to help fill talent gaps:

“Shorter term, I believe that more companies can alleviate their talent gaps by thinking outside of borders and identifying great talent globally. From my perspective, it’s challenging to identify a better fit for U.S. time zones, cultural compatibility and relevant work experience than Mexico.”

The Maquiladora industry, often staffed by a young and talented worker population with a mean age of 26 years, has demonstrated the capacity to construct sophisticated products for Mexico shelter manufacturing services.

Because of the lower cost of production, an assumption is made that the goods must also be poor quality, but this is far from the truth: the labor force in Mexico, because of the high rate of education and skill in production, have expertise comparable to that of U.S. employees.

Utilize the Labor Pool in Mexico in the United States

It is still possible to utilize the labor pool in Mexico in the United States, even if you do not want to send your production abroad. It is possible to bring skilled workers from Mexico to the United States under a "TN Visa" in order to meet the shortage of skilled workers in your organization.

The TN visa was established as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to permit certain Canadians and Mexicans to work temporarily in the United States.

USMCA was implemented by the former President Donald Trump while retaining the provisions of NAFTA regarding work visas. As long as a person meets the appropriate criteria for entry into the United States, the TN visa can be obtained by professionals in manufacturing fields, including industrial engineers, industrial designers, and other consultants.

If you have a manufacturing operation with a complex product, a nearshore manufacturing partner like NovaLink, utilizing the labor force in Mexico, might be the best solution for your company. 

FAQs on The Labor Force in Mexico

1. Is Mexico known for having a skilled labor force in engineering? Yes, Mexico is known for having a skilled labor force in engineering. The country produces more than 13,000 engineers annually, which contributes to a pool of highly qualified professionals in various engineering disciplines.
2. What types of engineering programs are available in Mexico? Mexico offers a wide range of engineering programs across different disciplines. Some of the popular engineering fields include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, and automotive engineering.
3. Are Mexican engineering graduates well-prepared for the industry? Mexican engineering graduates are generally well-prepared for the industry. The country's engineering education system focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills through internships, laboratory work, and industry collaborations. Many universities in Mexico have programs tailored to the needs of the industry, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their engineering careers.
4. How does the number of engineering graduates in Mexico compare to other countries? Mexico's annual production of over 13,000 engineering graduates places it among the top countries globally in terms of engineering education. The country has made significant investments in higher education and engineering programs to meet the demand for skilled engineers in various industries.
5. What are the advantages of hiring Mexican engineers for manufacturing operations? Hiring Mexican engineers for manufacturing operations offers several advantages, including:

a) Cost-effectiveness: Mexican engineers typically offer competitive salaries compared to engineers in other countries, providing cost savings for manufacturing businesses.

b) Proximity to the United States: Mexico's geographic proximity to the United States makes it convenient for companies that have manufacturing operations or customers in the U.S., reducing logistics costs and enabling efficient collaboration.

c) Strong technical skills: Mexican engineers are known for their technical expertise and strong educational background, allowing them to contribute effectively to complex manufacturing processes and innovative projects.

d) Bilingual capabilities: Many Mexican engineers have proficiency in English, enabling seamless communication with international colleagues, clients, and suppliers.

e) Cultural compatibility: Mexican engineers often possess a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset, which aligns well with the expectations and work cultures of many manufacturing companies.