More than 400 participants were reached through Manufacturing Day 2015, contributing to an improved public perception of manufacturing, according to a press release.
Courtesy of Deloitte
Using its new perception survey, Deloitte allowed more than 2,500 manufacturing hosts across the U.S. to gather data from teachers, students and parents regarding how the day’s events make a difference in local communities, noted the release. Eighty-one percent of students indicated they were more convinced that manufacturing careers are interesting and rewarding, while 71 percent were more likely to spread the word about manufacturing to family, friends and colleagues.
"The co-producers of Manufacturing Day could not be more pleased with the results of the 2015 celebration," said Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, a co-producing organization. "Our goal, when we created Manufacturing Day just three years ago, was to bring manufacturing into the mainstream. We wanted to showcase this important sector of the American economy and introduce young people to the career options and exciting work environments manufacturing offers."
Ninety percent of educators revealed in the survey that following Manufacturing Day they were more likely to encourage students to pursue careers in the industry. Ninety-one percent indicated that activities and tours relating to the event were interesting and engaging.
"This survey further demonstrates the changing perception of manufacturing across the country, particularly among young people, and we have events like Manufacturing Day to thank in large part for this positive trend," said National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons. "We appreciate the continued efforts of thousands of manufacturers from across the country to educate students, parents and their communities about the many career opportunities through our industry."
Manufacturers also provided positive feedback, with 94 percent finding value in participating in the day and 88 percent indicating they were more likely to continue engagement with area high schools or colleges.
All 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rice and Canada hosted a total of 2,620 events for Manufacturing Day. More than 225,000 students and 55,000 parents, teachers and other attended the events. More than 20 companies and organizations including Shell Lubricants, Alliance for American Manufacturing and SME.
