14 MiMfg Magazine September 2018
career tracks . Today ’ s manufacturers are welcoming of women in the workplace and look to locate potential next generation employees from all areas of the community .”
Despite these improvements , many students don ’ t see manufacturing as a career path while others aren ’ t aware the option exists . You can overcome these misperceptions by engaging with young people and the adult influencers in their lives — parents , teachers , counselors , and local leaders . Manufacturers can participate in the nationwide MFG Day on 10 / 5 / 18 to begin changing minds and attracting the next generation workforce .
Active MFG Day participants open their doors to the community , showcase available industry career options and address common industry misperceptions . Since 2013 , more than 10,000 unique MFG Day events have been held and nearly 600,000 people have attended — including over 260,000 students ! ( Check out mimfg . org for tools and resources to connect with your community on MFG Day .)
“ In order to become more engaged , you must get more engaged ,” explained Aultman . “ Start supporting your local schools and hosting events on MFG Day and throughout the year . Show your community what you do inside the buildings they walk and drive by every day . Let them see manufacturing in Michigan is alive and flourishing and that there are opportunities for everyone .”
To those thinking how much does this really matter — to future workers , it does ! According to the 2017 post-MFG Day survey of students : ii
• 89 percent were more aware of manufacturing jobs in their community
• 84 percent were more convinced manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding
Student engineering groups from the Bridgeport community work with the team at Amigo Mobility to discover new career opportunities and prepare the future workforce for post-graduation life .
• 71 percent were more likely to tell friends , family or parents about manufacturing
• 64 percent were more motivated to pursue a career in manufacturing
Millennials are especially impacted by companies that go a step beyond what is expected . A 2017 Deloitte study found 88 percent of millennials believe employers should work to reduce local and global concerns such as income inequality and the environment while 86 percent view a successful business as one measured by more than profitability . iii
Companies incorporating a CSR strategy into their overall brand presence may see a boost in hiring as well — 78 percent of millennials say an effective strategy directly influences career decisions . iv
When asked what the greatest challenge can be to being a good community steward , Thieme suggested it is “ overcoming the feeling of not enough resources — time , funds , etc . because , truthfully , there is enough . Even a small amount of dedicated time or resources donated can have a big impact .”
Women make up half the population but only a quarter of the manufacturing workforce . Orbitform partners with groups like its local Girl Scouts to boost awareness of manufacturing careers available to all of Michigan ’ s skilled workers .