3 Unique Resources to Make MFG Day Fun
Friday is national Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) — a day set aside each year to show the reality of modern manufacturing and encourage the next generation to consider a manufacturing career.
Created by Founding Partner Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International in 2012, MFG DAY is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.
Why MFG Day is Important
Manufacturing plays a much bigger role in our lives than we might think.
- Manufacturing is diverse. The wide range of companies and their products reflected on the interactive, infographic map shows a bit of the breadth the industry provides each of us.
- Manufacturing supports 18.5 Million U.S. Jobs.
- Manufacturing career opportunities include engineers, designers, machinists, computer programmers and so much more.
Patricia Lee, Director of Marketing for Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l® had this to say:
“Manufacturing Day is critical to resolving the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing. Some people think we don’t make anything here in the U.S. anymore, and yet nothing could be farther from the truth. This annual opportunity for manufacturers to open their doors, invite the community in, and share information about what they do and the types of skilled employees they need is critical to resolving this labor crisis which will only accelerate as more and more Baby Boomers retire.”
Resources You Need to See
Every year, the organizations behind Manufacturing Day, as well as other manufacturers, create a number of resources to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of manufacturing in our economy.
Here are the three we found most fascinating this year:
Smart MFG App: Volume 2
Launching on MFG Day, this Andriod and iOS app allows you to build and launch a drone in augmented reality.
You can also explore a drone factory in AR, land a virtual drone right in front of you, and discover more careers in manufacturing.
It’s a fun way to participate in MFG Day!
Manufacture Your Future
The Arconic Foundation, Howmet Aerospace Foundation and Discovery Education have compiled free resources to 3rd–12th grade classrooms to develop STEM and criticalthinking skills in students.
These include lesson plans, videos, career guide and family discussion guides, and a self-paced module to allow students to explore the applications of 3D printing, robotics, and computers.
The Manufacturing Institute
The MI offers access to education and certification programs for emerging and current manufacturing workers, an integrated training and career pathway and a community of engaged workers and manufacturers. As the leading provider of industry workforce research and data, the MI provides insight, research, resources and tools to manufacturers to grow their pipeline of skilled workers.
Celebrate Manufacturing Day
Manufacturers throughout the country are hosting various events on Manufacturing Day to give people a better glimpse of what the manufacturing industry is all about.
Events range from career expos to 3D printing shop tours to high school and college tours, and more! Some locations will be showing movies, others providing hands-on experiences and free skills training. You can search for and find an event on the MFG Day website.
