Modern manufacturing is evolving, offering high-tech and creative opportunities rather than the outdated image of dark factories and repetitive assembly line work. Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, emphasized the importance of exposing students to this new reality through plant tours, maker labs, internships, and events like Manufacturing Day.
“When students experience manufacturing firsthand, their perception shifts from ‘not for me’ to ‘this could be an exciting future.’ Research backs up this idea in powerful ways. Each year during Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), companies nationwide open their doors to students. Surveys from the Manufacturing Institute show remarkable results: more than 80% of students who take part in the day leave convinced that manufacturing offers enjoyable and rewarding careers, and two-thirds report being more motivated to pursue them. Even a single day of exposure can change how a young person sees the industry. In fact, one survey found that 90% of participants gained a greater understanding of manufacturing after MFG Day, with over 70% saying they now believe manufacturing offers engaging, well-paid careers. These findings are evidence that for students, seeing is believing.”
MACNY and Partners for Education and Business, Inc. (PEB) have extended these efforts by organizing activities throughout October as part of Manufacturing Month in New York State. Governor Hochul has declared October as Manufacturing Month again this year. Hundreds of students across Central New York have already participated in tours showcasing modern manufacturing environments.
Wolken noted that hands-on experiences are crucial for influencing teenagers’ career choices. “Why does this kind of exposure work so well? Interests and experiences are the top drivers of career choice for teenagers. A study by the Manufacturing Institute revealed that what influences students the most isn’t parents or teachers, but rather their own hands-on experiences. Exposure builds interest, and interest fuels career pathways. International studies, including research by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), echo this finding: students who take part in job shadows, workplace visits, and career-connected learning show stronger motivation and better career alignment. In other words, giving students a window into the real world helps them find where they belong.”
Career-connected high school models such as Career Academies combine focused coursework with employer engagement and work-based learning; long-term research shows these programs improve both academic performance and earnings later in life. Programs like Project Lead the Way (PLTW) also support higher post-secondary success rates through applied STEM education.
PEB collaborates with over 15 school districts to provide year-round programming where students interact directly with technology professionals. These initiatives aim to address workforce shortages projected for U.S. manufacturers over the next decade by inspiring more young people to consider manufacturing careers early on.
“Exposure matters: it changes minds, opens doors, and builds futures,” Wolken said.”The path forward is clear; we must provide high-quality exposure through tours, exchanges,and mentoring.We must build identityand interestwith applied learningwith programs like PLTW,and career pathways such as internships or apprenticeships.We needto create smooth transitionswith work-based learningand strong employer partnerships.At every stage alongthe way ,exposure actsas the catalyst.”
Wolken concluded,”When young people step inside a plant ,explore a lab ,or meet someone witha careerin manufacturing ,they see itin anew light .They begin toimaginea careert hat is modern ,meaningful ,and full opportunity .Forstudents,it’s not just aglimpseof aworkplace,it’s aglimpseoftheir futureandfor our growingmanufacturing community,it’s keytobuildingthenext generationof makers ,innovators,and leaders.With every studentwe expose tothe excitingworldofmanufacturing,we’re not just filling jobsbut shapingthefutureofwork itself.”
