Surviving the Silver Tsunami: Participate in Manufacturing Month

Facing the reality that the current workforce is dwindling down due to the silver tsunami sweeping the industry, manufacturers have a hard time finding quality replacement. The silver tsunami refers to the large number of baby boomers who are retiring from the workforce. For manufacturers, this is the majority of workers – they are not only losing employees, but also years of acquired knowledge and skills. It is time have to get creative about finding and developing talent while riding the tsunami wave. The problem is the disconnect between the industry and the general public. Unfortunately, the next generation of workers has misconceptions about manufacturing and trade jobs.

Dull. Dirty. Dangerous. These are words that come to many young people’s minds when they think manufacturing. Manufacturing Month provides the perfect opportunity for manufacturers – and educators – to disrupt these myths and make a big splash in the talent pool. It’s a chance to start impressing their company upon the minds of the next generation of employees. Organizations can demonstrate different types of career paths to students who might not have ever considered the manufacturing industry or who may not see themselves going the traditional college route.

For the last few months, many manufacturers have been preparing for Manufacturing Day on October 2. Across the entire state of Illinois, throughout the month of October, we celebrate Manufacturing Month; organizations open up their doors for the public, especially students, to learn more about the industry and their operations. It is a win-win for manufacturers and schools. Together, they can stimulate the minds of the next generation. Students are exposed to modern manufacturing plants and practices, and manufacturers get a chance to improve the industry’s image and promote their company and career paths, potentially developing a pipeline of talent that they can nurture. This is your chance to make a lasting impression on the next generation.

Manufacturers play an important role in educating the public about the industry. They can leverage manufacturing month to engage the next gen workers and spark interest by demonstrating skills, technology, and manufacturing processes. It is up to companies to change the public’s negative perception of the industry; it is up to them to showcase the technologically advanced and modernized plant floor. Why not start influencing your future workers by participating in Manufacturing Month? If you haven’t done so, we encourage you to register your event on www.creatorswanted.com.

Your Story can Inspire the Next Generation of the Manufacturing Workforce!

Go a step further and share a sentence or two about why you chose your career in manufacturing. Every day in the month of October, IMEC will share one quote that highlights a different career path with the intention to inspire new talent to take advantage of different opportunities that the industry offers.