Addressing Cincinnati’s Career Awareness Gap | MFG Day Kicks Off a Month-Long Effort

CINCINNATI, OH- OCTOBER 4TH, 2024- This month, thousands of students are learning about profitable, stable career opportunities right here in greater Cincinnati. The Ohio Manufacturing Association (OMA) reports that manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, yet few students are aware of the variety of opportunities available to them in the field.

Manufacturing has faced a severe workforce shortage since the pandemic. According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, there were 622,000 unfilled manufacturing positions in our country as of January 2024.

The way to address this gap is to provide career awareness for students. Early and frequent opportunities to explore jobs in manufacturing is the key to helping students find their spark in the field. The Manufacturing Institute launched MFG Day in 2012 to fill this very need. For the past 12 years, the first Friday in October has served as a beacon of outreach in the industry. This year is no different, with hundreds of manufacturing tours planned across the country for Friday, October 4th.

Here in Cincinnati, Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP) takes the lead on MFG Day through its outreach branch Make It Cincy and partnerships with local organizations LEAD Training and Learning Grove. The nonprofit has planned over 100 tours for October, with tours of Milacron, Cincinnati Incorporated, AtriCure, BlueScope, Deceuninck North America, Magellan Aerospace, Phillips Tube, and Monti, Inc. on its radar for October 4th.

Additionally, Make It Cincy’s partnership with the Dan Beard Scout Council has resulted in a strong manufacturing presence at biannual Scouts event Peterloon. Peterloon, which is set for October 5th, gives Scouts the opportunity to explore hundreds of careers in one location. Companies set up hands-on activities and demonstrations to engage the expected 5,000 5-18 year old Scouts and their parents. Through Make It Cincy, advanced manufacturing will be demonstrated via circuitry, electric vehicles, drones, VR, AR (alternate reality), coding, and robotic arms.

MFG Day and the ensuing month of activities aim to get career experiences in front of eager students of all ages. “Advanced manufacturing is thriving in southwest Ohio!” says Susan Whitman, Executive Director & President of AMIP and Make It Cincy. “Our manufacturers are not only driving innovation, but also providing exciting and well-paid career opportunities for the makers in our community. This October, we invite everyone to explore these opportunities firsthand as manufacturers open their doors and showcase the fulfilling careers available in this dynamic field."

Manufacturing Fast Facts

The average annual income of manufacturing employees in 2024 is $98,846.

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics

There will be 3.8 million manufacturing jobs to fill between now and 2033.

Source: Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute

As of February 2024, the manufacturing industry reported 583,000 job openings.

Source: Manufacturing Institute

To learn more about MFG Day 2024 and to get involved as a student, educator, manufacturer, or other interested party, visit MakeItCincy.org and MFGDay.com. You can also contact Make It Cincy Education Manager Rachel Farnsworth, rachel.farnsworth@advmfgip.org.