If there are numerous job openings in manufacturing, why are talented individuals not interested in these opportunities?
The report notes that an incorrect perception of manufacturing persists: that a job in manufacturing is low-tech, dangerous, dirty and low-paying work. This means that when the younger generation of workers starts deciding their career and education path, they choose to go elsewhere, and take their future skills with them.
Unless you work in manufacturing, or are a relative or friend of someone in this sector, you have no understanding of today’s manufacturing and how impactful the U.S. manufacturing sector is to our economy. Industries, like the boiler industry, have a greater challenge because in many cases, even those in manufacturing don’t know us.
Marvels of Modern Manufacturing
The reality is that modern manufacturing and the future Industry 4.0 is an entirely different thing from the image of a turn-of-the-20th-century assembly line factory. Manufacturing today is at the forefront of technology and modern innovation with the use of robotics, computers, data analytics, IoT, product design and 3D printing. Manufacturing needs to be better at telling our stories.
ABMA is in the early stages of expanding its focus on workforce development. In 2012, we established a Scholarship Fund (later named for former ABMA President Randy Rawson) to promote the boiler industry to students in engineering and fabrication. What started with funding for a few students per year has grown into a very impactful program. In 2017, 16 students received financial support from ABMA and the Fund has paid out more than $150,000 in scholarships since its inception. But while the Fund has successfully recognized engineering students, the area of fabrication has been a challenge.