MFG Day Events Seek to Inspire Next Generation of Hoosier Manufacturers

INDIANAPOLIS (October 6, 2016) – Businesses throughout Indiana are opening their doors to thousands of Hoosier students tomorrow, and throughout October, in celebration of Manufacturing Day. The annual event is a growing effort to change perceptions about manufacturing and draw attention to career opportunities in manufacturing.

Indiana leads the nation in manufacturing as evidenced by many national rankings, including:

• #1 in state gross domestic product (GDP): 30% of total GDP comes from manufacturing;
• #1 in highest share of manufacturing employment: Indiana’s manufacturing industry represents 17.1% of the Hoosier workforce;
• #2 in job growth: Indiana has added 88,000 manufacturing jobs since July 2009. A growth rate of 20.6%;
• #2 for the percent of workforce employed in advanced industries;
• 7 of  9 Indiana congressional districts are among the top 50 districts nationwide by rank of employment share in manufacturing; and
• 11% of all automobiles made in the US are made in Indiana.

“Manufacturing Day helps raise awareness about the high-wage, high-demand job opportunities available for our state’s future skilled advanced manufacturers,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). “DWD is collaborating with education and industry partners to develop demand-driven and sector-based strategies that equip the Hoosier workforce with the necessary skills and competencies to fill the thousands of good-paying manufacturing positions that will be available over the next decade.”

Braun also noted that since taking office, Governor Mike Pence has placed an emphasis on enhancing career and technical education (CTE) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education options for Hoosier students, as a critical component toward meeting this demand.

Visit www.mfgday.com to learn more about this national effort to promote the many rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing. The website also features a list of events happening