Enterprise Bank & Trust honors the manufacturing industry and the importance of this sector to the economy by celebrating National Manufacturing Day on October 2nd. An annual tribute held on the first Monday in October, National Manufacturing Day not only highlights the significance of manufacturing to this country’s economic well-being but works to attract talent to this sector which continues to struggle to find enough skilled workers.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, companies participating in National Manufacturing Day activities gave the public an inside look at manufacturing by hosting over 400,000 students, parents, and community members at plant tours, events and open houses. Social distancing requirements and other virus-related limitations have now changed many Manufacturing Day activities for 2020 to digital and virtual events although some manufacturing organizations are still offering on-site activities.
Regardless of the type of event, National Manufacturing Day’s mission of educating the public on the importance of manufacturing in our economy and helping to create a steady pipeline of qualified workers stays the same.
Changes for 2020 Celebration
As if economic uncertainty, supply chain interruptions and other challenges related to COVID-19 weren’t enough, manufacturers across the country continue to grapple with a pre-pandemic shortage of skilled labor. And, with many manufacturing employees in the later stages of their careers and nearing retirement, the shortage of skilled manufacturing talent is not expected to improve anytime soon. In fact, the National Institute of Standards and Technology estimates that U.S. companies will need to hire over four million technically skilled employees over the next decade and half of these positions could go unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers.
Aiming to help solve this problem, the Manufacturing Institute arm of the National Association of Manufacturers created National Manufacturing Day to bring attention to the growing skill shortage in this sector of the economy, inspire the next generation of manufacturers, and educate the public at large on the importance of the role manufacturers’ play in our daily lives. This nationwide event showcases employment opportunities and manufacturing technology and capabilities by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions to connect with students, parents, teachers and community leaders. The goal is to promote the availability of high paying jobs for those with the required technology-related skills.
The priorities of National Manufacturing Day are to:
- Change the perception of careers in manufacturing to reflect its true status as the most advanced, high-tech industry in the country.
- Re-establish the U.S. as the global leader of manufacturing education;
- Advocate for education and job training policies that strengthen the U.S. manufacturing workforce.
Like past celebrations, this year’s National Manufacturing Day will highlight how vital manufacturing is to the American economy and how this sector drives economic growth and fosters the creation of millions of jobs in American factories, in supply chains, and in professional and support services. Activities during and following National Manufacturing Day 2020 will address common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors virtually and demonstrate what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t.
Consider Participating in National Manufacturing Day
The impact of the pandemic may make this year’s National Manufacturing Day activities look and feel a little different, but there is still an opportunity for manufacturing-related organizations to get involved and join Enterprise in celebrating the importance of manufacturing to our economy. Any organization can take up the important work of educating and encouraging people to pursue careers in one of the many facets of manufacturing.
To find out more about National Manufacturing Day 2020 and how you and your organization might participate, visit the Manufacturing Institute website at www.themanufacturinginstitute.org or the National Manufacturing Day website at www.creatorswanted.org/mfgday.
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