One in four jobs in West Michigan is related to the manufacturing industry.
The health of that industry is vital to our economy.
With that in mind, local manufacturers recently held Discover Manufacturing Week, opening their doors and providing tours and engaging activities to students and educators to showcase the great careers within the manufacturing Industry.
For the past nine years, Discover Manufacturing has led the initiative to provide an opportunity for a look inside modern manufacturing to dispel the myths and showcase the modern facilities and incredible job opportunities.
Next on the agenda is Michigan Career Quest, coming to DeVos Place March 27, 2024. It’s another opportunity to shine a light on careers in manufacturing.
We sat down with Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development at Kent ISD, and Cyndi Langlois, Human Resource Manager at Scherdel Sales & Technology, to dispel some of the myths surrounding manufacturing.
Among the perceptions they’re trying to change, according to Graham, is the idea that “manufacturing environments are dark, dirty, and dangerous and dead-end jobs that require mindless drones.”
Modern manufacturing has evolved and is not what it used to be. “Manufacturing is bright, clean, safe, and technologically advanced,” said Graham.
“There are amazing opportunities and career paths.
Most manufacturers offer tuition reimbursement programs that will allow you to earn a great living while they pay for your education.
Instead of graduating with student debt and wondering about finding a job young people can try a career and then support it by furthering their education.”
Manufacturing goes beyond just skilled labor positions and needs engineers, accountants, marketing and sales, logistics, and IT professionals.
Langlois said there are some positions in great demand right now, including welders, quality control, CNC operators, engineers, and maintenance mechanics.
Learn more about careers in manufacturing at https://www.discover-manufacturing.com.
This story is sponsored by West Michigan Works!
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