Have you ever thought about the manufacturing industry and how it affects the world around us? Have you ever considered a career in manufacturing? If not, you should start learning some of the more useful and interesting aspects of the industry. Here are three things to know about the manufacturing industry.
1. Manufacturing is Key to the Global Economy
The manufacturing industry is a major part of what keeps the global economy running. From electronics to cars to aerospace, manufacturing is the reason we can do anything or go anywhere. Manufacturing is even what makes the machines that are essential to other industries, from medical equipment to food packing machines.
The fact is, the manufacturing industry is extremely lucrative and continues to grow as the world gets more advanced. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, manufacturing’s output increased from $2.881 trillion at the annual rate in Q1 to $2.910 trillion in Q2 2024. In fact, for every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, there is a total impact of $2.69 to the overall U.S. economy. The manufacturing industry in Massachusetts actually exported $31.4 billion worth of goods in 2023.
2. Tons of Job and Career Opportunities
As we said, manufacturing is a significant global money maker. But it doesn’t make money without a skilled workforce. If you’re looking for work but you’ve never considered a career in manufacturing, perhaps this will change your mind. More than 244K manufacturers in the U.S. employ 13 million people. In particular, Massachusetts has a long history of being involved in manufacturing, having been a leader in manufacturing textiles and today boasts 6K manufacturing employers with over 238.5K workers.
The fact is, the manufacturing industry is going to need more workers. It’s projected that by 2034, 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled. This is due to a mix of older workers retiring and the industry continuing to grow. By getting into manufacturing now, you’ll have time to build a lifelong career while also keeping the world running.
3. Diversity Is On the Rise in the Manufacturing Industry
Historically, diversity has always been surprisingly inclusive, from the Lowell Mill Girls to the high number of immigrants who were hired to work in factories during the industrial revolution. Today, inclusivity continues to be on the rise. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities can all find worthwhile careers in manufacturing. Manufacturing is one of the best industries for wealth building for low-income residents, which often includes these demographics. Manufacturing employers also know that by bringing in more diverse workers, they get more unique viewpoints, which can lead to better business practices and ideas.
There’s a lot of interesting things to know about the manufacturing industry, and you might find yourself looking at a potential new career. If you do, consider getting some free, hands-on training through AMTEP to start your way down a lucrative career path.