Manufacturing is Missing an Opportunity

There is a clear need for qualified workers and women in manufacturing are an obvious answer to improving the industry. It’s important to acknowledge the need for women in manufacturing and celebrate the achievements of those women who’ve chosen a career in STEM.

I believe a career in manufacturing is worth it.

The importance of manufacturers to the success of our economy and society is great. From designers and engineers to warehouse production staff, and everything in between, the opportunities for success in manufacturing are abundant: manufacturing remains the fifth-largest employer by sector in the United States, based on a report for the United States Census Bureau.

Over the years, manufacturing has grown significantly in a number of areas. Rooted in traditional trades, occupations such as welding, pipe fitting, metal forming, and fabricating continue to be important to our industry. However, in recent years new smart technologies have come to the forefront and jobs associated with technologies such as robotics, automation and additive manufacturing have become more prevalent. As technologies evolve and manufacturing expands so too does the need for qualified individuals to fill these jobs.

What’s missing?

Based on the U.S Department of Commerce, “While women make up about 47% of the total workforce, they only make up about 30% percent of the 15.8 million people employed in manufacturing industries, and only 1 in 4 manufacturing leaders are women.” There is a clear need for qualified workers and women in manufacturing are an obvious answer to improving the industry. It’s important to acknowledge the need for women in manufacturing and celebrate the achievements of women who’ve chosen a career in STEM and are driving manufacturing forward. SME and others are committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry as a whole and groups such as The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) work more specifically to empower women workers in manufacturing. It’s not just about providing opportunities, it’s about appreciating and leveraging the true value women bring to the industry.

Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME provided insight to the discussion of a manufacturing skills gap by examining the manufacturing workforce over the past decade. Her team looked at the rapidly changing landscape in manufacturing and the continuous need organizations are facing for qualified employees. Kunz explains, “Throughout the last decade, manufacturers have built momentum as they started creating and sustaining a strong pipeline of workers.” Yet the depletion of skilled labor is a reality we cannot ignore.

It’s exciting to see many organizations implementing programs to build awareness for career opportunities in manufacturing. It’s even more encouraging to see these programs being developed with women in mind. Preparing the way for the next generation of manufacturers is very important. Organizations must play a major role today in shaping the makeup of the manufacturing workforce tomorrow. The barrier to entry for women in manufacturing is low and the opportunity for success is great -- we just need to do a better job of providing a clear path and sharing the news of those opportunities to all.