Manufacturing Institute, NAM and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Seek Creators on Manufacturing Day

LANSING, Mich.—To showcase diverse career opportunities available in the manufacturing industry, The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are joining forces to engage, inspire and encourage youth to become the next generation of manufacturers through Manufacturing Day .“

The next frontier of manufacturing in the United States is upon us, and now, more than ever, we need the next generation of creators to join our workforce. We thank our generous sponsors, like the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, for working alongside us to showcase what modern manufacturing really looks like in their own eyes through a MFG Day experience,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, who also serves as board chairman of The Manufacturing Institute.

As a State Presenting-Level sponsor of MFG Day in Michigan, the LEO Workforce Development is providing support for the nation’s largest one-day celebration of manufacturing, where manufacturers across the country open their doors for students, parents and teachers, highlighting the diverse career opportunities in manufacturing for Michigan’s next generation

“Michigan’s manufacturing industry has shaped the state’s economy and identity for decades and currently provides jobs to more than 632,000 Michiganders,” said LEO Workforce Development Director Stephanie Beckhorn. “We are always looking to attract and retain great talent in Michigan and are proud to sponsor initiatives like Manufacturing Day to bring awareness to the high-demand, good-paying careers in manufacturing.”

“MFG Day has become the collective rallying cry of manufacturers preparing for the future by engaging with the workforce of tomorrow today,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Our industry faces a workforce crisis, with manufacturers needing to fill 4.6 million jobs over the next decade. That’s why The Manufacturing Institute, with sponsors like Workforce Development, works tirelessly to engage creative, hard-working talent through initiatives like MFG Day.”

To bring awareness to manufacturing careers, employers and Michigan Works! agencies are hosting nearly 200 events statewide to highlight the in-demand opportunities.

In addition to focusing on students and job seekers with Manufacturing day events held across the state, Workforce Development and Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives recently released the Michigan Manufacturing Industry Cluster Workforce Analysis Report to assist businesses with making data-driven workforce decisions to help our state grow a talent system that is second to none.

First held in 2012 and organized by its founder—the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International—MFG Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations, update the public perception of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry.

Learn more about MFG Day and how to participate in Michigan events at www.mfgday.com.

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About the Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute is the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. It drives programs and research to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

About Workforce Development
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development Workforce Development division promotes a flexible, innovative, and effective workforce system within the State of Michigan. Workforce Development supports a demand driven workforce system, assists the structurally unemployed with financial independence, advocates for the integration of workforce development into the K-12 school system, and supports the alignment of workforce development with economic development efforts. Visit www.michigan.gov/wda to learn more.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Learn more about LEO at www.michigan.gov/LEO.