Not long ago, manufacturing was a hot career path. Salaries were reasonably high and there was plenty of work to be had. Then came the digital revolution and waves of outsourcing. Manufacturing jobs grew scarcer, and salaries were no longer as generous. Many people left manufacturing for greener pastures, and manufacturing became a less hailed profession.

A lack of enthusiasm is especially prevalent among Millennials, the digital generation. Exceedingly comfortable with technology, it may seem as though the entire generation was born with a screen in front of their face or a mobile device in their hand. They are attracted to careers in technology, and many of them believe that manufacturing jobs involve dust, dirt, heat and back breaking labor. As a result, many millennials shy away from careers in manufacturing, and manufacturers struggle to fill openings for good jobs in stable companies. This is not a simple problem to solve, but we are here to outline a few actions manufacturers can take to attract Millennials to manufacturing careers.

Community Outreach

Manufacturing leaders can help to change the perception of manufacturing careers by taking an active role in community affairs.  Manufacturers have long played an important role in the economic health of any region, and working for the betterment of the community is an extension of this healthy relationship. Millennials are known to place value on a well-rounded workplace, and community involvement is one way to achieve just that.  Once millennials are aware of the manufacturers in their communities, they may start to see the manufacturing as a vibrant, stable and rewarding career path.

Mentorship Programs

As Baby Boomers reach retirement age, the shortage of qualified workers becomes more severe. Pairing new hires from the digital generation with skilled, older workers who are nearing retirement age benefits both generations. The Boomers enjoy passing on their hard skills and picking up digital hacks from the younger mentees, and the mentees learns the necessary skills to take a vital place in the manufacturing organization. This approach is especially important if the local pool of Millenials does not have adequate education in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects to qualify immediately to work on their own in a manufacturing setting.

Education and Internships

Manufacturing leaders can help ensure a ready supply of qualified employees by working with local educational institutions to tailor programs to adequately address the subjects needed to make for successful manufacturers. Providing education about manfuacturing career paths and job outlook can also be achieved through workshops and career days.  It is especially useful to stress the role that technology plays in modern manufacturing. CNC equipment, 3-D printing and the IoT (Internet of Things) are all technology focused aspects of modern manufacturing. Finally, offering internships in conjunction with local educational institutions is a great way to provide Millennials with first-hand experience of how rewarding a career in manufacturing can be.