Science, technology, engineering, and math education – often referred to as STEM education – makes up the backbone of modern manufacturing. While in the past, much of manufacturing was hands on and potentially dirty and dangerous; it is an entirely different environment. According to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau, the manufacturing sector employs over 12 million people in the United States with an average annual salary of over $75,000 making it a solid career choice.

The Generation Gap

One of the problems seen in the manufacturing workforce today is a generation gap that takes two forms. The first form comes in the changeover from workers who have been part of the manufacturing and industrial workforce for years, to the new generation. This is a major loss in skilled, able workers who are now at retirement age. Over the next few years, this is projected to open up 3.5 million jobs, and it is expected that nearly 2 million of these jobs will go unfulfilled due because of the skills gap.
The second and possibly larger part of the generation gap comes in the form of mindset. Many parents, as noted in SME’s survey, subscribe to outdated ideas of what manufacturing is. In reality, the manufacturing environment often requires an advanced skill set and provides opportunity for advancement with experience. Manufacturing companies often times offer an above-average salary and have one of the highest percentages of workers who are eligible for employer provided health benefits with an impressive 92% eligible in 2015. Despite the change, approximately 25% of parents surveyed felt that manufacturing did not pay well, and nearly half felt it would not be a challenging or engaging profession.

The Importance of STEM and Bridging the Gap

A STEM education is not just beneficial to the individual but to the nation as a whole. These skills promote innovation and are a stepping stone to success moving the manufacturing industry forward. Manufacturing in the United States is equivalent to the ninth-largest economy in the world which makes it one of the most significant industries to all generations of the workforce. While providing quality STEM education is a big part of improving the generation gap, it also requires a change in the attitudes of the older generation. Everyone can and should learn about the progressive changes that have happened in the manufacturing and industrial fields.
Here at Baker Furnace, we are an industrial leader in the engineering, design, and manufacture of custom-built ovens, furnaces, and pollution control equipment. As industry professionals, we see the skill gap and are working to close it through promoting the benefits of a STEM education. The gradual attitude change we are seeing in society is expected to grow. If you are interested in a STEM education and the careers it can provide, contact your local vocational school, school counselor, technological institute, or one of the many manufacturing firms in the area, including us here at Baker Furnace.