The Randstad Manufacturing and Logistics Employee Confidence Index rose 0.3 points to 52.2 in the third quarter of 2013. Additionally, 53 percent of manufacturing and logistics workers believe their current employer has a strong future, up 6 percent from last quarter.

The number of respondents who said they would actively look for a new job in the next 12 months dropped to 30 percent from 44 percent in the second quarter.

“Manufacturing and logistics companies have an active and fluctuant business workload as we head into the fourth quarter that they need prepared staff to complete,” said Phyllis Finley, executive vice president at Randstad US. “As a result, they’re turning more and more toward staffing firms to fill the talent gap and meet the quality and quantity of people they need in order to be productive.”

Positions expected to drive the most growth in the fourth quarter and 2014 are maintenance technicians, machine operators and warehouse supervisors, according to Finley.

“We are also seeing more hiring managers becoming more particular when looking at requirements and minimum skill levels,” Finley said. “Resumes that reflect a variety of experiences, such as machine operation along with computer skills, create greater interest with hiring managers.”

The index is based on an online survey of 167 manufacturing and logistics employees conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad during July, August and September 2013.