According to the Annual Manufacturing Report 2017 below we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to attracting new talent into the industry. It appears that smart factories, 'big' data, Industry 4.0, IIoT, collaborative robots, augmented reality and artificial intelligence alone are just not cutting it.
The perception of dangerous and dirty factories billowing nasty chemicals into the sky from huge chimneys is still conjured up when careers in manufacturing are talked about. A place where tedious, unskilled tasks are carried out in horrendously cramped conditions. I wouldn't want to work somewhere like that, would you?
Fortunately we don't have to as times have changed but getting this message out to the next generation is going to take a concerted effort. By everyone. Including you.
So what can be done to help change this outdated viewpoint? Writing for The Manufacturer, Jonny Williamson shares some of the ideas and suggestions those in the industry believe would help make the manufacturing sector a more attractive proposition for those looking for a career.
Engaging early on with schools and colleges is something we feel very passionately about ourselves. This helps the 'talent pool' see the opportunities within manufacturing first hand. Instead of listening to tales of woe from their parents, or their parents parents.....
So if you are currently employed within manufacturing and passionate about making a change, why not contact your local school or college today and open your doors (and their eyes) to what is on offer within the industry?
The image of manufacturing as being dirty and unhealthy is still pervasive. At one stage in time, manufacturing wasn’t a particularly clean, healthy or even safe environment to spend eight-plus hours a day in. However, this is a far cry from modern manufacturing – something which ever-more stringent environmental, health and safety laws guarantee.
https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/make-manufacturing-attractive-career/
