5 Fun Ways to Participate in Manufacturing Day
Friday is National Manufacturing (MFG) Day — a day devoted to giving manufacturers an opportunity to show the country what manufacturing is all about, and address some of the misperceptions about the manufacturing field. It is a day designed to amplify the voice of individual manufacturers and help their communities and future generations thrive.
It’s a day to celebrate the achievements and impact the manufacturing industry has had, and continues to have, on the lifeblood of our country and our economy.
Why MFG Day is Important
Manufacturing has always been a solid source of income for many families. Because wages in the U.S. reward these hard-working positions, many companies have moved operations overseas — paying a fraction of a homeland salary. But cheaper does not always equal better.
The average yearly salary of a manufacturing worker is over $77,000, much higher than the U.S. median average of $48,872. The manufacturing industry supports over 17.4 million jobs in the U.S. and comprises 12 percent of the U.S. GDP. These jobs not only contribute to building products and infrastructure, but economically support local shops, restaurants and entertainment.
The surprising part is manufacturing companies cannot fill these well-paying jobs fast enough, due to misconceptions about the sector. Eighty percent of companies cannot find the skilled workers they need.
“Manufacturing Day is critical to resolving the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing,” said Patricia Lee, Director of Marketing for Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l®. “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.”
How to Participate
There are a few ways you can get involved in MFG Day and learn how manufacturing plays a key role in our society.
Watch the How It’s Made Marathon
The Science Channel is running a marathon of How It’s Made shows on MFG Day. It’s a great way to see dozens of episodes and a wide range of different kinds of products being made in manufacturing facilities across North America. You can even download a poster to hang in your school or workplace!
View the Manufacturing in America Infographic
The Manufacturing in America infographic is full of interesting facts about manufacturing in America and is displayed in a fun and easy to read format! Some fun facts include:
- The annual average salary of manufacturing workers is more than $77,000.
- Manufacturers have the highest job tenure in the private sector.
- 90% of manufacturing workers have medical benefits.
Scroll Through the Skills Gap in US Manufacturing 2015 and Beyond Presentation
First published in 2001 in partnership with Deloitte, The Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Gap Report was a landmark study identifying the mismatch between the skills of available workers and skills that manufacturers demand. The 2005 and 2011 reports confirmed that gap and showed an increasing mismatch of skills. It will inform you on the importance of manufacturing in the American economy. View the presentation here.
Check Out the National Robotics League
Created by the National Tooling and Machining Association, NRL organizes regional and national events in which robots built by high school students face off against one another. The goal of the NRL is “to help introduce a new generation of students to the advanced skills and technology of today’s manufacturing.” But really, “it’s so much fun, it’s inhuman.”
Check Out the First Robotics Competition (FRC)
If you’re into robots, you should also know that NRL isn’t the only robot competition league in town. FRC, which is affiliated with the Manufacturing Day sponsor the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, has a similar mission to NRL and organizing competitions throughout the United States.
Download the Fusion Tech Manufacturing Catalog
Fusion Tech is proud to be part of the manufacturing industry here in America, providing employment for over 100 people and assisting companies in the food processing, agriculture, transportation, and renewable fuels industries by manufacturing equipment and parts they need to be successful.
You can learn more about our manufacturing capabilities by downloading our Custom Parts Manufacturing catalog.
