Manufacturing Day 2015 events across North American have helped to improve the perception of industry among the public, according to a Deloitte survey.
More than 400,000 people participated in events across Canada and the US. In Canada, the manufacturing industry held 29 events. Among the companies holding events were Sandvik Coromant, Valiant Training and Development Centre, Anchor Danly, Reko International Group, Shell Lubricants and Caterpillar-Dyersburg.
Teachers, students, parents/influencers, and employers shared their perspective on Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) using the new Deloitte perception survey developed in collaboration with The Manufacturing Institute. The survey was distributed to more than 2,500 manufacturing hosts across to gather data from teachers, students and parents on how MFG DAY events truly make a difference in local communities. The survey found after attending Manufacturing Day events, eighty one per cent of student respondents are more convinced manufacturing provides careers that are both interesting and rewarding and seventy-one per cent are more likely to tell friends, family, parents or colleagues about manufacturing.
Educators’ responses to the survey also illustrated the positive impact Manufacturing Day has on public perception. Ninety per cent indicated they are more likely to encourage students to pursue a career in manufacturing and ninety one percent found the activities/tours to be interesting and engaging.
“By capturing the impact of a national Manufacturing Day, we can see how it has made a difference in changing the image of the industry,” says Institute Executive Director Jennifer McNelly. “Every day we aspire to make this industry better than it was yesterday, and the results of the Manufacturing Day survey illustrate how we are improving the image of the industry through Manufacturing Day, and positioning the industry as a rewarding career path for future generations.”
“This survey further demonstrates the changing perception of manufacturing across the country, particularly among young people, and we have events like Manufacturing Day to thank in large part for this positive trend,” says National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons. “We appreciate the continued efforts of thousands of manufacturers from across the country to educate students, parents and their communities about the many career opportunities through our industry.”
Manufacturers responding to the survey also expressed positive feedback regarding their participation in Manufacturing Day. Ninety-four per cent found there was value in participating in the event and eighty eight per cent are more likely to continue engaging with high schools or colleges in their area. An infographic summarizing the results of the 2015 survey can be found here. To see the interactive dashboard that provides the ability to analyze results in more detail, follow this link.
Based on data collected from host company evaluations, more than 225,000 students and 55,000 parents, teachers and other attendees participated in these live events. Twelve virtual events helped even more people participate, with the Discovery Education and Alcoa online program reporting the largest participation of any single event, with more than 120,000 students. This brings the total number of participants in MFG Day 2015 activities to more than 400,000.
MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is—and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG Day, manufacturers begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
