America’s Youth in Manufacturing
Posted by Scott Sweeney on Thu, Jul 09, 2009
American manufacturing is eager and enthusiastic about competing on an international level, but how is it possible with such overwhelming obstacles.
Part 1 continued (again): America’s Youth in Manufacturing
I was on the phone with Governor Patrick today; telling him about our quest to bring passion back to manufacturing. I told him about a publication from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute published last month regarding the public’s view of manufacturing.
Here are a few stats from the report:
- 81% of Americans strongly believe manufacturing is important to our standard of living.
- 68% of Americans believe manufacturing is important to our national security.
- Manufacturing Industry was ranked as the most important to maintain a strong national economy.
- 77% of Americans want a more strategic approach to our manufacturing sector.
All great stats right!
In this same report, there were a few more troubling stats:
- Just 30% of Americans want their children to pursue a career in manufacturing.
- Only 17% of Americans believe our school system encourages students to pursue a career in manufacturing.
It is unacceptable to me that we say one thing but do another. We must find a way to make manufacturing more attractive to the youth of this country.
It’s time to realize that it’s okay to get our hands dirty.
PS, design contest will probably be this fall. More news to come.