Every year, hundreds of Oregon manufacturers celebrate National Manufacturing Day on the first Friday in October – This year it’s Friday, October 6th. It might seem early to be talking about an event in October, but we know how fast time can move. Every year, this incredible event seems to sneak up on us, and sometimes, on manufacturers too. We get plenty of requests from manufacturers just a month ahead of time asking how to get involved. Let’s work together to get ahead of the schedule this year!
Why Should We Celebrate MFG Day?
Oregon manufacturers who are concerned about the growing skills gap, and increasing need for skilled workers should take advantage of this national day to educate young people about the importance of manufacturing careers. And it’s not just students that need to be educated. The general public, including parents and educators, need a greater awareness of manufacturing’s contribution to Oregon’s economic growth. Manufacturing day is also a great way to honor and celebrate the workforce that exists now.
In December 2016, The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte released the results of a survey on the effect Manufacturing Day 2016 had on the public’s views of the industry. Responses from students, educators and employees surveyed demonstrated that Manufacturing Day 2016 resulted in an improved public perception of manufacturing. 89 percent of manufacturers who participated in MFG Day saw value and 86 percent said they would host an event again
In Oregon, we’ve seen significant increases in student participation every year. In 2015, the number of interested students almost outstripped the number of manufacturers who hosted students. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again!
Will Your Company Commit to Host a Group of Students?
As part of our mission to bring results of Oregon manufacturers, OMEP continues to work with partner organizations such as WorkSystems Inc, All Hands Raised, Center for Advanced Learning, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and many others, to coordinate tours and bring public awareness and media attention to these important issues. If you would like to be placed on our list of manufacturers who would like to host a group of high school students at your event, please fill out the form below. You can also contact me at Jagnor@omepdev.wpengine.com.
Sign Up To Participate
Let’s Make Manufacturing Day An Even Bigger Success
Last year over 2,811 events were held throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, with 2,683 of those events held in the United States and 140 events held right here in Oregon (read our 2016 Recap). OMEP is committed to making Manufacturing Day an even bigger success than it was last year.
