Manufacturers in the United States are struggling to recruit and hire high-skilled workers needed to maintain productivity and to compete globally. While the total number employed in the manufacturing sector is shrinking, the demand for high-skilled workers has increased. Community and technical colleges have traditionally been an important source of high-skilled workers. This article analyzes the completion trends in manufacturing-related programs in community and technical colleges in the Great Lakes and Plains regions. Data for 10 four-digit program series and 41 six-digit program codes were retrieved from the National Center for Educational Statistic Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Short-term and long-term completions trends for the period 1996-2005 were identified for 12 states. Findings of this study, though not encouraging, add to the understanding of the skills shortage. (Contains 21 tables.)