IMC Celebrates Manufacturing Week

written by Lauri Moon | October 5, 2022

IMC, along with partners across Pennsylvania and the United States, is excited to celebrate Manufacturing Week on October 7-14, 2022.

Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed the week as Manufacturing Week in Pennsylvania to honor our manufacturing industry, our makers, and encourage the next generation of talent to take a closer look at manufacturing careers in the commonwealth.

Today’s industry demands experienced problem-solvers and strategists, digital operators, engineers, and others who can blend management and STEM skills. And we’re proud that our state is preparing the next generation of talent for careers in manufacturing. We know these careers offer challenging, fulfilling, and stable work — presenting us with the opportunity to bring Pennsylvania’s innovation, imagination, and legendary can-do spirit to the industry at the heart of our economy and communities.

MANUFACTURING IS AT THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA’S ECONOMY.

(bea.gov Employment by State 2020; Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council, PA’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook 2022)

  • 6th largest manufacturing industry in the United States by employment
  • $113.2 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021
  • 562,700+ employees (accounting for ~9.5% of all privatesector jobs in PA)
  • 14,000+ manufacturing establishments

MANUFACTURING OFFERS WELL-PAYING, FAMILY-SUSTAINING JOBS.

(Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council, PA’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook 2022)

  • Manufacturing workers earn 33% more compared to the average for other nonfarm businesses in the state
  • $86,129 avg. compensation in manufacturing in PA, including benefits

U.S. MANUFACTURING JOBS HAVE GREAT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

(Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council, PA’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook 2022; U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

  • Many manufacturers offer on-the-job training that helps employees expand their skillsets and adapt to new industry needs
  • 90% of U.S. manufacturing employees have access to medical benefits through their employer
  • 78% of U.S. manufacturing employees have access to retirement benefits from their employer
  • U.S. manufacturing workers have the highest job security in the private sector.

MANUFACTURERS AND MAKERS COME FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND HAVE A VARIETY OF SKILLS AND EDUCATION LEVELS.

(bls.gov, Manufacturing Career Outlook, From Prototype to Production: Careers that Bring Ideas into Being, 2018)

  • Entry-level positions have different educational requirements ranging from a high-school diploma (or equivalent), to a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Many manufacturing positions include apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training – offering an opportunity to earn income while learning new skills
  • Career opportunities abound for those looking for work in the manufacturing industry including:
    • Industrial designers
    • Mechanical and electrical engineers
    • Graphic designers
    • Systems software developers
    • Team assemblers
    • Electricians
    • Computer-controlled machine tool operators (metal and plastic)
    • Industrial machinery mechanics

Pennsylvania 2022 PARTNER TOOLKIT

Help us spread the word about modern manufacturing, its positive impact on our economy and communities, and how it benefits existing employees and students who are exploring career options. DCED’s digital toolkit will help you get started with suggested social media posts, newsletter content, and digital graphics. Get involved and be sure to share your own manufacturing resources and stories.  Be sure to tag IMC in your social media so that we can share your posts all week. IMC’s Facebook. IMC’s LinkedIn.  Download PA’s toolkit here. Post your events on the national mfgday.com site – Or IMC can for you. National MfgDay Toolkit.

Resources

Check out information about Central Susquehanna’s What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest.

For a list of manufacturers who have worked with IMC, check out our directory!