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Regional Manufacturing Event Slated for October 24, 25 & 26

Regional Manufacturing Event Slated for October 24, 25 & 26
Sponsorship Still Available!

Last year, more than 900 students from the region visited 26 facilities in celebration of National Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY). MFG DAY was created in response to a dire need in America manufacturing - a major shortage of skilled workers. An estimated two million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled nationwide over the next decade due to companies’ inability to find talent with the required skills. Several leading industry organizations determined six years ago the best way to combat this malady and reverse negative perceptions people may have about manufacturing jobs and careers is to literally show “up close and personal” the exciting kind of work that takes place in plants across the U.S.

National studies are showing positive effects with regards to MFG DAY activities. For example, of the students who participated in last year’s event nationally, 84 percent said they were more convinced manufacturing provided careers that were interesting and rewarding and 64 percent were more motivated to pursue a career in manufacturing. That is good news for manufacturers who are looking for employees. Last year, the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte concluded some 22 percent of skilled manufacturing workers, or 2.7 million valued employees, are retiring over the next decade. Industry growth means companies will need to add another 700,000 skilled employees. In short, a total of 3.4 million workers will be needed. But due to a variety of factors, the industry is projected to fall a startling 2.0 million workers short of its needs.

Regionally, MFG DAY events and participation has exploded. When the 1si Metro Manufacturing Alliance launched MFG DAY activities in 2014, eight companies offered tours to approximately 100 students. In 2015, the number of manufacturers providing tours jumped to 13 with the number of students participating quadrupling to 542 and in 2016, the number nearly doubled again with over 900 students touring 26 facilities.

Sponsorships are still available for the MFG DAY event, which includes the student tours, a media event and a celebration reception. Sponsorship benefits vary depending on level. Two booth spaces, available for rent by regional manufacturers, are also still available. These booths are open during the celebration reception at Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. on Thursday, October 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Over 100 regional manufacturers, community leaders and decision makers are expected to attend.

If you are interested in participating in the 2017 1si MFG DAY celebration, either as a sponsor or a touring facility for students, contact Kathleen Crowley at kathleenc@1si.org or 812-945-0266.