ISA and Automation Federation highlights growing need for skilled manufacturing workers ahead of Manufacturing Day 2018

Summary

September 27, 2018—As Manufacturing Day, 5 October 2018, approaches, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and its affiliate association, the Automation Federation, celebrate the importance of manufacturing to the world’s economic health and future.

Supported by manufacturers and other industry supporters, Manufacturing Day is designed to amplify the voice of individual companies and coordinate a collective movement toward greater understanding and solutions to key manufacturing challenges.

A pressing challenge facing manufacturers in the US is the growing skills gap. Experts project that over the next 10 years nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will be needed. However, because of the ongoing shortage of qualified workers, up to 2 million of these jobs may go unfilled.

Today, six out of 10 production jobs remain open because of the talent shortage, according to a recent study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte.

“As an association comprised of many professionals involved in manufacturing throughout the world, ISA is innately aware of the vital role manufacturing plays in increasing technological innovation and driving global economic growth,” says Mary Ramsey, ISA Executive Director. “But to sustain strong manufacturing capabilities you must have a skilled, educated workforce.”

Closing the skills gap, Ramsey points out, will require a significant influx of talented young workers in all fields of engineering, including automation and control—particularly given that throngs of current manufacturing workers, part of the Baby Boomer Generation, are on the verge of retirement.

“Manufacturing Day is important because it’s an opportunity to expand awareness of these challenges and take action to turn the tide,” she emphasizes. “Much more needs to be done to encourage more young people to pursue STEM-centric education and career fields.”

Because the workforce shortage is increasing demand for and the value of qualified workers, new graduates and others who have the right technical skills are likely to obtain well-paying positions.

Companies, community groups, other organizations as well as individuals are encouraged to support and recognize Manufacturing Day. The most visible and influential way to get involved is by hosting a Manufacturing Day event. Examples include: 

• Plant tours
• Manufacturing community events and expos (through collaboration with numerous companies)
• Job fairs
• Educational fairs
• Celebrations of the manufacturing community 

Currently, there are more than 1,800 events scheduled in support of Manufacturing Day. To search for events in your area, click here.

Of course, participating in an established Manufacturing Day event is a highly valued way to contribute as well. On the Manufacturing Day website, you’ll find a wealth of resources for those interested in hosting an event or participating in one. Among the useful materials provided are: 

• Planning guides and tool kits
• Resources on how and why to get involved
• Links to informative webinars
• Open house tips
• Answers to FAQs
• Logos, banners and infographics
• A media guide and media kit 

As an association founded by ISA, the Automation Federation works with its member organizations and working groups—as well as ISA members—to increase awareness about the value of advanced manufacturing and to support STEM initiatives in schools and communities.

“Our member organizations and many ISA members are actively engaged in grassroots efforts to improve and expand the learning of STEM and get more young people excited about careers in manufacturing,” reports Marty Edwards, Managing Director of the Automation Federation. “These activities are essential if we are to prepare young people to compete for the well-paying jobs in an increasingly high-tech, high-skill marketplace.”

Edwards encourages all professionals in automation, manufacturing and engineering learn more about how they can contribute to the future of today’s young people. He says the following three partner organizations of ISA and the Automation Federation have well-established STEM-focused programs that offer many rewarding ways to get involved and volunteer.

• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
• DiscoverE (formerly the National Engineers Week Foundation)
• Project Lead The Way

About ISA The International Society of Automation is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety, and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1945, ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its 40,000 members and 400,000 customers around the world. 

ISA owns Automation.com, a leading online publisher of automation-related content, and is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation, an association of non-profit organizations serving as “The Voice of Automation.” Through a wholly owned subsidiary, ISA bridges the gap between standards and their implementation with the ISA Security Compliance Institute and the ISA Wireless Compliance Institute

About the Automation Federation The Automation Federation is a global umbrella organization of twenty (20) member organizations and seven working groups engaged in automation activities. The Automation Federation enables its members to more effectively fulfill their missions, advance the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications, and develop the workforce needed to capitalize on the benefits of automation. The Automation Federation is the "Voice of Automation." For more information about the Automation Federation, visit www.automationfederation.org.