[Image above] Credit: Manufacturing Day, YouTube
The beginning of October reminds us that autumn is finally here, bringing us (still) warm days, cool nights, and the beauty of nature as trees display their annual color transformation.
And the beginning of October is also significant for the manufacturing industry. Each year, manufacturers set aside the first Friday of October to celebrate Manufacturing Day, which will take place this Friday, October 5.
Manufacturing Day—changing perceptions
According to the website, Manufacturing Day was founded in 2012 by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International to change public perception of manufacturing in a positive way. The day gives manufacturers the opportunity to open their doors and host events to show people in their communities what manufacturing today is all about.
Although a Deloitte survey of Americans find that 83% believe manufacturing is important to America’s economic prosperity, about one-third of Americans don’t want their children to pursue a manufacturing career.
But manufacturing in 2018 is not your grandfather’s—or even your father’s occupation anymore!
Contrary to popular belief, manufacturing is not a dying industry. Although traditional manufacturing jobs such as assembly-line work requiring only one or two skills are going away, the “new” manufacturing roles will be centered around technology. In fact, technology and automation have replaced the hands-on assembly lines of the past.
But the streamlining of manufacturing plants has also opened the door to new career opportunities. Experts predict that jobs such as software engineers, automated systems engineers, robotics specialists, and other types of technical jobs requiring college degrees will be in demand for the industry.
In a recent Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers, a little more than 95% of respondents indicated a somewhat or very positive response regarding their own company’s outlook for growth and hiring expectations.
And the numbers seem to support the positive outlook. A Marketwatch article reports that manufacturers created 37,000 jobs in July, with a total of 327,000 new jobs in the past year. CNBC reports that this is the most of any 12-month period since April of 1995.
The reality is that while productivity continues to increase, U.S. manufacturers are doing more with fewer workers. Manufacturing employees of the future will need to have the required technical skills that will move the industry forward.
It’s a great time for the manufacturing industry.
There are more than 2,400 events scheduled to celebrate Manufacturing Day this Friday. As for me, I’m celebrating the day by visiting the American Whistle Corporation to learn how whistles are made!
What are you planning for Manufacturing Day?
Manufacturing resources
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership
HPC4Mfg Manufacturing Day Oct. 5 webinar
National Association of Manufacturers
Watch the video below to learn more about Manufacturing Day.
ACerS has organized a workshop specifically to help manufacturers focus on succeeding in the ceramic and glass markets. The Ceramic Business and Leadership Summit will take place on Wednesday, October 17, from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m in Columbus, Ohio. Visit this link to learn more and to register.