October is Manufacturing Month!
October is one of the year’s busiest months for recognition and commemoration. While it’s well known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October also includes several key days of observance for various illnesses, industries, and causes. Among these is recognition for Manufacturing Month in many states — an opportunity to shed light on the importance of domestic production, its history, and the many opportunities it presents today.
History and significance of manufacturing month
Manufacturing Month is a nationwide tribute to innovation and productivity. Originating in 2012, Ed Youdell, President and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association, planned the first Manufacturing Day on the first Friday of October.
The first Manufacturing Day was a celebration of modern manufacturing. It allowed producers to open their doors to the public — including students, educators, legislators, and others — to introduce people to the value manufacturing brings to communities across the country. This “doors open” celebration persisted as an annual tradition and was adopted by numerous manufacturing organizations, guilds, and trade organizations.
Today, Manufacturing Month continues the tradition of spotlighting the importance of domestic manufacturing.
Highlighting opportunities across industry
With a focus on illuminating the reality of modern industry and empowering companies to come together to address collective challenges, Manufacturing Month firmly emphasizes careers. As manufacturers seek to fill more than four million jobs within the next decade, highlighting the value of manufacturing in communities and future generations has never been more important.
Manufacturing Month gives industry leaders an opportunity to showcase exactly how the work they do every day represents a critical backbone of today’s economy. Most of the innovations we see in products and technology happen on the factory floor. Without production, innovation comes to a halt.
A new era of manufacturing opportunities
More than open houses and special events, Manufacturing Month is a time for producers to launch new initiatives and explore new avenues. This year, Creators Wanted, a joint endeavor by the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers, presents the largest manufacturing hiring campaign in history. With initiatives focused on recruiting new workers, increasing the number of students enrolling in technical or vocational skills, and elevating the positive perception of the industry, Creators Wanted aims to bridge the skills gap and end misperceptions about manufacturing — all with a goal of building the modern workforce of tomorrow.
How to celebrate manufacturing month
Whether you’re already in the industry or thinking about kickstarting a manufacturing career, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Manufacturing Month. Take a tour of a nearby factory. Research events or meetups in your area. If you’re a professional in the field, use Manufacturing Month as a time to network with colleagues in the industry, or level up your skills and grow professionally.
There’s never been a better time to pursue or elevate your career in manufacturing. The manufacturing field is a high-demand industry, offering high-paying, stable work and plenty of prospects for advancement.
