The ability to make things was once a greatly admired skill, and manufacturing jobs were both respected and well paying. During the years when manufacturers were outsourcing everything possible, manufacturing lost its place in the ranking of desirable careers, and young people turned toward careers in other fields. As the existing baby boomer generation of skilled workers approaches retirement, young people continue to shun manufacturing, leaving the resurgent manufacturing industry facing a scarcity of workers to replace these retirees. However, we can take steps to make manufacturing attractive to young people.

1. Teach the joy of making things

Years ago, children used their imaginations to build things out of blocks, tiny logs and erector sets – and they even used the boxes such toys came in creatively. Today, children receive prefab kits designed to make a single item by following the included directions or they spend their time on video games. Schools stress technology and the value of a college education over the joys of making, building and innovating.

To attract youth to manufacturing, consider buying model kits and multi-purpose erector sets for young children instead of a steady diet of video games and tech toys. Provide access to tools and education. Engage children in age-appropriate projects and activities so they learn to appreciate the skills required to create objects.

Jony Ive, Apple’s celebrated design guru, talked about learning to use tools to make beautiful objects by working in a home workshop with his father in a recent interview. Give your children the same advantage by showing them the joy of manufacturing.

2. Celebrate manufacturing

While hockey and basketball camps are fun, add a week of manufacturing camp to your child’s summer vacation to improve skills and excite their interest. Several professional organizations and even prestigious schools such as Wharton are running camps for children interested in manufacturing. Search the web for an affordable option near you.

Consider taking your children to work with you or on a tour of a local manufacturing plant so they can see the intricate network that is modern manufacturing. Make sure to observe National Manufacturing Day in October each year. Tell stories about the contributions to society of such manufacturing icons as Frederick Taylor and Joseph Orlicky in addition to conversations about celebrities and sports figures.

3. Emphasize manufacturing technology and innovation

Very little in the world is cooler or more interesting than 3-D printing, and this technology is revolutionizing manufacturing and design. Additive manufacturing devices are no longer cost prohibitive, and having one in the classroom or at home will help children understand that manufacturing is a hotbed of innovation affecting all aspects of society from health care to home goods to cars and space stations. Help children to feel the joy of making something, whether handcrafted by forming metal, carving wood or printing plastic.

When adults and community leaders show respect for manufacturing’s contributions, young people will see it as a viable career. Make manufacturing visible and accessible, and they will discover its joys on their own.