I’m not at all concerned with workforce language. I’m not offended by the word “pipeline”.
To be honest there are far more important things to worry about than politically correct language. For example, if a machinist is approaching the twilight of his career and has just received a bachelor’s degree in business administration, then management should reward that machinist for his years of service and his advanced education by promoting him to a management position where his talents, skills, and knowledge will do the most good for the company.
Let’s focus on the manufacturing issues that really matter.