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For example, 82 percent of executives responding to
the Skills Gap survey indicate they believe the gap will
impact their ability to meet customer demand. More than
three-quarters (78 percent) believe it will impact their abil-
ity to implement new technologies and increase productivity.
Large numbers also report the lack of skilled workers hurts
the ability to provide effective customer service (cited by 69
percent) and decreases the ability to innovate and develop
new products (62 percent).
The Skills Gap study also addresses the industry percep-
tion problem. Citing the Public Perception of Manufacturing
research The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte conducted
over the years, the report notes that “while Americans con-
sider manufacturing among one of the most important do-
mestic industries for maintaining a strong national economy,
they rank it low as a career choice for themselves.” The study
continues to say, “Moreover, only 37 percent of respondents
indicated they would encourage their children to pursue a
manufacturing career.”
Yet, here’s the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
According to the report, “Interestingly, those with high in-
dustry familiarity tend to have more favorable perceptions,
and they are twice as likely (emphasis added) as those with
no familiarity to encourage their children to pursue a manu-
facturing career.” This data aligns with a study done in col-
laboration with Skills USA, Educational Research of Amer-
ica, and The Manufacturing Institute, which found that 64
percent of students identified personal experiences as having
the greatest influence over their career decisions.
Engagement is Essential
One conclusion the Public Perception report makes is
“manufacturers need to engage people through community,
educational and government programs in order to improve
the perception of the U.S. manufacturing industry.”
That statement captures the mission of Manufacturing
Day. And, as the results of the survey of participants strongly
demonstrate, changing perceptions through this initiative has
become a tangible measurement.
For students participating in Manufacturing Day, seeing
really is believing – believing that their futures can be bright
with a career in manufacturing.
About the Author
Jennifer McNelly is Executive Director of The Manufac-
turing Institute, the non-profit affiliate of the National As-
sociation of Manufacturers (NAM). As Executive Director
of the Institute, Jennifer is driving an agenda to close the
manufacturing skills gap and make manufacturers in Ameri-
ca globally competitive.
October 7 marked the fifth annual Manufacturing DaySM
when thousands of manufacturers hosted students, teachers,
parents, job seekers and community leaders at open houses,
plant tours and educational sessions to showcase modern
manufacturing technology and the cool jobs available. It was
a chance for students to see the diverse career options that are
innovative, impactful and durable.
As the old idiom goes, “Seeing is believing,’ and that is
the guiding principle behind Manufacturing Day. It was cre-
ated in response to a dire need in America: The industry to-
day faces a major shortage of skilled workers. An estimated
two million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled over the next
decade due to companies’ inability to find talent with the re-
quired skills. Several leading industry organizations deter-
mined five years ago the best way to combat this malady
and reverse negative misperceptions people may have about
manufacturing jobs and careers is to literally show “up close
and personal” the exciting kind of work that takes place in
plants across the U.S.
Participation grows every year. In 2015, more than 2,600
live events were held attended by more than 225,000 stu-
dents and 55,000 parents, educators, job seekers and other
influentials. Impressive numbers, without a doubt. But, did
“seeing” actually make these groups “believers”?
Data Shows Theory Works
Research reveals the theory behind Manufacturing Day
works. For the first time, participants were polled about their
experience. A new Deloitte perception survey developed in
collaboration with The Manufacturing Institute was distrib-
uted to the more than 2,500 manufacturing hosts to gather
data from attendees. The results are dramatic:
• 81 percent of student respondents are more con-
vinced manufacturing provides careers that are both interest-
ing and rewarding
• 71 percent of student respondents are more likely to
tell friends, family, parents or colleagues about manufactur-
ing
• 93 percent of educators are more convinced manu-
facturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding
• 90 percent of educators indicated they are more like-
ly to encourage students to pursue a career in manufacturing
Skills Gap Studies Offer Insights
One of those joint initiatives is Deloitte’s Skills Gap
studies. The current report highlights the impact of the skills
gap and offers recommendations on how to help remedy it,
which provides further credence to the benefits gained from
Manufacturing Day programs.
Research Shows Annual Nationwide Events
Like Manufacturing Day Foster Positive
Perceptions of Industry
By Jennifer McNelly,
Executive Director, The Manufacturing Institute