Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is an annual national event, coordinated by The National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, on the first Friday of Manufacturing Month – October. It’s a day designated to highlight manufacturing careers and the impact on our lives.
The first Manufacturing Day was held in 2012. The Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) leadership felt that by “opening their doors to the communities, the manufacturers would demonstrate to the general public, especially parents and youngsters, that modern manufacturing is different than the traditional image of manufacturing being a labor-intensive activity conducted in a rather unfriendly environment. Modern manufacturing involves computers, computer numerical control (CNC) Machines, robotics, and other “cool” tools! It’s about creativity, innovation, teamwork and technical skills.”
The purpose of MFG Day is to reach qualified and diversified future manufacturing talent to help build and support local economies for decades to come. MFG Day events showcase manufacturing careers through open house events for students, parents, educators, community members, and legislature. Each year thousands of organizations across the nation share what a career in manufacturing really looks like to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. Over the next decade, there are expected to be 3.5 million job openings in manufacturing.
Manufacturing plays a key role in shaping society, from the invention of the wheel to the development of modern medicine. Manufacturing is also important in today’s economy, providing jobs for millions of Americans. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half (48%) of all private sector employees work in manufacturing or mining industries. And manufacturing output continues to increase at a rate faster than overall GDP growth.
North Carolina manufacturers, community colleges, and manufacturing support organizations throughout the state will hold events for MFG Day and throughout the month of October. Visit https://www.mfgday.com/ to use the interactive map to find events near you.
