Happy Manufacturing Day!

What is Manufacturing Day?

Manufacturing Day is a nationwide event hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers to bring awareness to the career possibilities and opportunities in manufacturing for students of all ages. While October 4th is the official date, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reminds all of us that any day can be MFG Day when manufacturers strive to invest in their community and the future generation of employees.

Why does bringing awareness to manufacturing jobs matter?

For over half a century, the American culture has praised young american’s higher education ambitions while looking down upon the traditional blue collar positions that this country was built upon. While there is still value in higher education, we believe it is our industry’s turn to shine in the light of improvement and opportunity.

Manufacturing has gone through multiple improvements throughout the years including far superior and safer working conditions, higher product quality standards, and favoring company culture and teamwork on the shop floor.

This is why we here at Pentaflex and manufacturers across the country are working tirelessly every day to help change the narrative around our industry.

How can you get involved in the next generation of manufacturing employees?

 

Parents

Encourage your children to spend time and think through what career path they would like to take after high school. In today’s world, the decision they make when they are 17 no longer defines them for the rest of their career path. So, if they would like to throw their hat in the ring for something “less conventional” than what you originally planned, then encourage them to do so. You never know, it just might be what they were meant to do all along.

By motivating our children to go after their dreams instead of conventionally what society is telling them, we help foster a passion and excitement in the next generation to get up and go to work every morning.

 

Teachers 

Incorporate examples and scenarios into your classroom that include career paths like welding, operations, assembly, fabrication, and more. 

Encourage your students to job shadow at local manufacturers and equip them to ask the right questions about continually learning and growing within those companies. Most of those companies have multiple ways for their employees to contribute to the organization and success of their customers.

 

Manufacturing Employers

Invest in your community. If you are in need of skilled, hardworking, and determined employees, then look right outside your front door. Here are a few ways you can get involved in your community:

  • Attend career days at high schools and trade schools.
  • Offer paid internships for high school students and college students to learn your industry and provide feedback on the experience of working at your establishment. 
  • Take part in manufacturing industry initiatives like MFG Day.
  • Establish yourself on social media to show your customers and your employees that you are willing to contribute to the conversation – no matter the medium. 
  • Offer competitive pay and salaries based on performance and improvement.

What about Pentaflex?

Pentaflex makes it our mission to invest in our local communities of Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding Clark County area. We support Springfield-Clark CTC in the training and encouragement of skilled trade programs. We also show our gratitude to local higher education options like Clark State Community College and their many programs dedicated to training the next generation of management and leadership.

If you would like to speak with a team member at Pentaflex about our other initiatives, would like to schedule a tour for your student(s), or are interested in a career with us, please complete our short Contact Us form or give us a call at 937-325-5551.