Talent

Manufacturing Day 2018: Using Technology to Attract Talent

Oct. 5, 2018

the Smart Manufacturing app and comic book and to showcase how augmented reality, IoT, and additive manufacturing are transforming manufacturing.

Adrienne Selko

The theme for Manufacturing Day 2018 is “Open Doors, Open Minds.” Enticing top talent to the field is the annual goal of this event which continues to grow. Last year events attracted 225, 000 students who said the exposure improved their attitudes toward this career.

New this year is the Smart Manufacturing app and comic book which showcases how augmented reality, IoT, and additive manufacturing are transforming manufacturing. Manufacturing companies are hoping that showing students the role that technology is currently playing, and will continue to play, in this sector will spark their interest in the field. Attracting talent is essential for the growth of the sector to continue. A survey from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute found that 3.5 million U.S. skilled manufacturing jobs will need to be filled between 2015–2025.

This slideshow showcases just a few of the many events taking place on this day. To keep updated follow the day on Twitter at #MFGday2018.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.