MFG Day is a worldwide initiative, launched every year on the 1st Friday in October, with events to promote great careers in manufacturing to students! In Florida, it empowers manufacturers and educators to
come together to address Florida’s manufacturing workforce challenges. By highlighting what modern manufacturing
looks like as well as the many, high-wage careers available, we can help our
Florida communities and future generations thrive.
By opening their doors (virtually or in-person) to students and teachers during
Manufacturing Day and Month, manufacturers can address the myths that the new
generation has grown up believing by showing real life examples of
manufacturing taking place! Many believe the misconceptions that the manufacturing working
environment is subpar, doesn’t pay well or “requires you to be a master in STEM
subjects”, contributing to the ongoing shortage of high
skilled workers.
The goal in Florida is to share the reality of modern
manufacturing careers by encouraging companies around the state to provide
students, parents, teachers and community leaders with a behind-the-scenes look
at their facilities.
Planning
School districts and educators can help to inspire the
future manufacturing workforce by planning student experiences during MFG Month
or at any time during the year. Educators, school counselors and parents serve
as key decision-makers in helping students make educational and career choices
and can also help students strike a connection between STEM-based
subjects/concepts and how they are applied in real-world settings.
Every manufacturer that hosts a virtual or in person student
and educator events helps to showcase the cool high-tech technologies,
distinctive products and amazing careers in manufacturing.
Ready to host or take a tour? The first step is to contact
your MFG Month coordinator. Click here to find the contact person for your region.
Resources
FLATE has developed a comprehensive marketing toolkit to
help promote Manufacturing Day and Month on a local/regional level as well as an
extensive portfolio of STEM-based resources.
- FLATE Guide: Best Practices for Industry Tours - a step-by-step guide for planning an impactful student tour whether you are
a host or a teacher
- 'Get Ready for MFG Month' webinars on demand for industry hosts and educators
- FLATE lesson plans, organized by grade level
- “What is Manufacturing” - introduction to manufacturing flyer and presentation
- MFG Month promotional graphics: posters, logos, flyers
and presentations
To access these resources, visit www.madeinflorida.org/manufacturing-day
Tracking Results
FLATE surveys of students, educators and industry hosts after
MFG Month tours show the impact of industry tours on students and allows
manufacturers to understand how they can make a larger impact.
Student surveys show:
- An 80% increase in consideration of a career in
advanced manufacturing after the tour
- 96% learned about new technologies used in
advanced manufacturing industries
- 96% became more aware of new information about
careers and manufacturing jobs available in their community
- 96% would recommend that other students have the
opportunity to participate in MFG Day/Month
Industry Host survey responses:
- 100% state that the tour was a good use of
company time and resources
- 58.8% stated five or more employees participated
in hosting the tour
- 68.8% stated they have hired students as interns
and employees
Educator survey responses:
- Approximately 98% stated that the tour helped
them see how STEM subjects learned in school are put to work in high-tech
industries.
- 100% stated they would promote a career in
advanced manufacturing to students.
- 100% also stated they would recommend other
students have the opportunity of an industry tour.
- 100% also stated that they found the tour
helpful in expanding their understanding of high-tech jobs and career
opportunities in Florida.
What do Industry hosts, Educators and Students Say about
MFG Month Tours?
•
“Always worth giving back to the community and
investing in the next generation. This tour was especially a good use due to
the relevance of the class’s subject matter to our industry,” (Host)
•
“These kinds of events change lives . . . doors
are opened that these students have never walked through before and today some
REALLY liked what they saw inside.” (Educator)
'Loved the tour! Information was excellent and
you could see the kids really thinking and enjoying. I even had a few tell me
that this kind of work sounded way more interesting than they originally
thought it would! (Educator)
•
“I really like that you don’t need a college
degree to work there and I also liked that the company itself gives classes and
an opportunity to further careers.” (Student)
“I I liked being able to see a real working
environment and what they get to do every day the people were very nice and
they explained everything very well. Thank you.” (Student)
FLATE and FloridaMakes have partnered with manufacturers and
educators across the state to celebrate MFG Day and Month every October since
2012. Manufacturing Day and Month
continues to make a tremendous impact in sparking awareness about STEM-related
educational/career pathways in manufacturing.
If you have questions or would like to share how your region
coordinates Manufacturing Day and Month, contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at marilyn.barger@flate.org.
