Student Attitudes Shift after Experiencing Manufacturing

Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center – How do you encourage students to pursue manufacturing careers? In most cases, it’s not so much up to you as it is them.

According to research conducted by The Manufacturing Institute, SkillsUSA, and the Educational Research Center of America, 64% of students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses say that their own interests and experiences are the most important factor in choosing a career path.

In light of that, let’s revise the question: How do you spark student interest in manufacturing careers? The simple answer is exposure, showing them modern manufacturing in action and letting them find what inspires them, whether it’s the technology, the creativity, the problem solving, the team attitude, or the reassurance of good pay with benefits and job security.

That’s where Manufacturing Day comes in. MFG Day and Month this October is a perfect opportunity to provide students early exposure to the many career opportunities offered by modern manufacturing.
And this isn’t just talk, as exit polling from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute in 2016 shows that MFG Day events make a real impact on students who participate. After attending MFG Day events:

89% of students were more aware of jobs in their communities
84% were more convinced that manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding
64% of students were more motivated to pursue careers in manufacturing
71% were more likely to tell friends, family, parents or colleagues about manufacturing after attending an event

So, how do you get students to your MFG Day event to give them a chance to have a mind-opening experience that sparks their own interests? Use the tips in this blog post,”How to Get Students to Your MFG Day Event,” and then do your part to inspire that next generation of modern manufacturers!