Proto Labs survey describes a population uninformed about the state of manufacturing.
A recent survey commissioned by Proto Labs has shown that as much as 71 percent of the American population do not see manufacturing as a high-tech industry.
This figure aligns with other recent surveys that outline a potentially serious issue facing the manufacturing sector going forward – outdated and poor public perception.
When asked to describe the daily routine of someone employed in the manufacturing industry, more than half of the respondents cited dated images of workers among machinery.
Only 10 percent associated a software developer or person in front of a computer as related to manufacturing.
“Skilled workers in computer development and engineering are breathing new life into a storied industry,” said Vicki Holt, CEO of Proto Labs. “The same skills required of software developers at places like Google, Facebook and Amazon are now being applied in the manufacturing industry.”
Software development is becoming more important as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and automation become more prevalent across the manufacturing sector. This allows for highly skilled, highly paid positions that may not have existed a few years ago.
Holt identified parents as playing a crucial role in the future of manufacturing.
“Digital manufacturing is creating a variety of new technology-enabled manufacturing careers, as well as reinventing many of the traditional manufacturing jobs that continue to be very much relevant and needed,” Holt said.
“Parents who recognize this trend can help their children embrace math, engineering and the sciences in school. Young people who are educated and skilled in these areas can have promising, high-paying jobs in manufacturing.”
Poor public perception is already having a negative effect on the industry, where according to the Manufacturing Institute, there are an estimated 2 million jobs in manufacturing that could go unfilled in the next decade.
“The manufacturing industry must do better,” Holt said. “Highly skilled, well-paid and technology-driven jobs are thriving in manufacturing. We need to ensure that we have the talent needed to reach our full growth potential.”
How can the manufacturing industry best connect to the future workforce? It may not be as difficult as one might think. See the Education News section for stories about how STEM schools are working with industry to bring students into engineering and manufacturing.
