Manufacturing Day addresses misperceptions, opens doors

First observed in 2011, Manufacturing (MFG) Day started as a grassroots movement intended to draw the public’s attention to manufacturing and its career opportunities and has become an annual celebration meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Since 2012, both public and industry participation in MFG Day activities have grown, as has its overall scope and goals. This year, an effort is being made to reach out to millennials, many of whom have an outdated image of manufacturing, to connect with a younger workforce vital to filling the openings in an increasingly digital manufacturing industry. This year, close to 2,500 national events are scheduled for MFG Day on Oct. 6 and throughout the month. U.S. manufacturers will open their facilities to their communities, invite interested students, prospective employees, and local stakeholders and lawmakers to explore the industry through programs, workshops, open houses and speakers telling their stories in a collective effort to address, educate and promote manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career choice. 

The challenges of attracting a new workforce to manufacturing were highlighted in an earlier Digest story. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that one in 10, or 15.4 million, U.S. workers in the civilian workforce had jobs in the manufacturing industry in 2016. The Deloitte study cited in the story pointed out that 3.5 million jobs will open in manufacturing by 2025.

In order to highlight these opportunities, and showcase its innovative and technological advances, MFG Day – occurring the first Friday in October – will utilize visuals, real life stories, and hands-on experiences to more accurately portray what a career in manufacturing looks like today.

For more information on MFG Day, including events in your community or to learn how to be involved, visit the MFG Day website.