There are more than 11,000 manufacturing companies in Michigan. They employ more than 600,000 Michigan residents. We say this as we note that this week is Michigan manufacturing week.
Ensuring companies have the next generation of workers to step into manufacturing careers, is part of what manufacturing week is all about.
Harry Leaver is the executive director of the Central Michigan Manufacturing Association. He said the group is working to revive manufacturing conversations in families.
“Not every kid is destined to go out and become an engineer. Many kids have great skills with their hands, and great aptitude to be able to pick up on things like C&C, or on welding, or some other unique processes that are involved in the manufacturing world”.
Leaver said the economy is driven by three things, natural resources, agriculture, and manufacturing. He said the manufacturing industry in the state and nation could be at risk if younger generations aren’t excited about the career opportunities.
“One of the things we’ve run into is that a lot of folks got turned off and disenchanted with manufacturing or they have a perception of it. They think it's dirty, it's dangerous, it’s not a place you can be successful in life. They’re totally wrong, there are huge career opportunities in manufacturing”.
Almost 200 events are planned around the state this week to showcase the opportunities that exist in modern manufacturing, and the pathways to obtaining those jobs.
