Women are making strides in manufacturing, but more work needs to be done. represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce.
“Women are significantly underrepresented in manufacturing, and the industry is in the midst of a workforce crisis,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee in a statement. “Closing the gender gap in the industry will go a long way toward closing the skills gap, empowering more women to join manufacturing’s ranks and lifting the industry as a whole.”
To help fill that gap The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, presents the The STEP Ahead Awards annually.
“It provides a platform to honor role models and motivate them to encourage the next generation of women in the manufacturing industry,” added Lee. “The women being recognized are industry leaders—and inspirations to the women and girls who will follow their example and pursue careers in manufacturing.”
On April 30, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. The awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
“There is an evolution of the manufacturing workforce as more women enter into leadership roles, bringing innovative ideas and transforming how we work and increase productivity.” said 2020 STEP Ahead Chair and BASF Corp. President of Market and Business Development North America Teressa Szelest.
Launched in 2012, the STEP Women’s Initiative have impacted more than 300,000 individuals—from peers in the industry to school-aged children.
