Changing Perceptions, One Day at a Time

A critical goal of Manufacturing Day is to educate young people with aptitudes for science, mathematics and technology about what a manufacturing career really entails. Such efforts are the primary focus of MMS’ Next Generation Zone, which offers a series of articles and videos about this issue as well as links to resources making the case for manufacturing careers.

Individual manufacturers need not feel helpless in the face of a nationwide shortage of skilled workers and rampant misconceptions about the industry. By opening their doors to the public in a coordinated series of open houses October 4, even small shops with limited resources can make a difference.

That’s the message behind “Manufacturing Day,” an event coordinated by a group of prominent industry sponsors designed to amplify the voices of individual manufacturers with common concerns and challenges. October 4 might seem a ways out at this point, but now is the time to start thinking about it—organizers stress that the more shops that participate, the greater the impact is likely to be. After all, members of the general public will likely have a hard time clinging to outdated notions about manufacturing once they get a first-hand look at the computerized, automated technology that characterizes today’s operations.

A straightforward plant tour isn’t the only way to get involved. During the first Manufacturing Day event last year, various small groups of nearby manufacturers pooled resources to offer successive tours at each of their facilities. Organizers report such events proved particularly successful. In some cases, they even drew attention from local schools and political leaders. Shops that don’t want to play host at all can still provide video or written testimonials about their operations to the Manufacturing Day website, among various other ways to contribute.

For more information, including ways to get involved, tips for hosting a plant tour or submitting a testimonial, and news about sponsors and other participating companies, visit mfgday.com.