What's New in Workforce Investment?

To highlight the importance of manufacturing to the nation's economy and draw attention to the many rewarding high-skill jobs available in manufacturing fields, a group of public and private organizations have announced the launch of Manufacturing Day for October 5, 2012.

The Employment and Training Administration issued Training and Employment Notice 38-11. This TEN encouraged the workforce system to collaborate with the Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to provide assistance and support to small and medium-sized manufacturing firms with the ultimate goal of supporting economic growth while preserving and creating jobs. The TEN contained a joint commitment letter from ETA Assistant Secretary Jane Oates and Roger Kilmer, Director of the Manufacturing Partnership.

Mr. Kilmer provides his thoughts on Manufacturing Day:

In the spirit of less talk, more results, Manufacturing Day has been launched and is being championed by dozens of organizations. It will be celebrated on October 5th with plant tours and open houses at as many manufacturers as possible across the country.

Why do we need a national day dedicated to manufacturing? Studies by the nonprofit Manufacturing Institute and others show that almost 80% of Americans believe manufacturing is important to our economic prosperity, standard of living and national security. Yet only 30% would encourage their children to go into manufacturing as a career. And, according to Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturing Association (FMA), "October 5th is dedicated to celebrating the great work and innovation of the 12 million men and women who make the United States the world's largest manufacturing economy."

Now is our chance to do something collectively to make a difference for this industry. High schools, colleges, local chambers of commerce, unions, trade associations, government entities, and manufacturers can work together to propel U.S. manufacturing to the next level. Through individual open houses and plant tours that will take place in cities and towns across the nation, we can show the public what manufacturing really looks like. We can do something to teach young people about interesting, challenging, well-paying jobs they could train for in manufacturing. We can help provide a stream of good, qualified workers our manufacturers so desperately need and help keep more things "Made in America." We can do something to rally together in support of what has been, and what can always be, the driver of economic vitality and strength in the U.S. Be a part of this effort and sign up by Labor Day to host an open house/plant tour for Manufacturing Day and tell your manufacturing contacts about this great opportunity too.

Manufacturing Day News Release

Find a Manufacturing Day Event (Map)

Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model

WWW.MANUFACTURING.GOV