How Are You Helping Change the Perception of Manufacturing?

Today’s students view manufacturing as dark, dingy, and dead end. Here at DeWys, we have purposely worked with our local schools, colleges, and community partners to improve this perception. This is our way of helping to change the perception of manufacturing.

I sat down with three team members at DeWys ranging from ages 19 – 23 to discuss their opinions of manufacturing:

What was your perception of manufacturing growing up/before starting at DeWys?

Cody: “I didn’t really know much about manufacturing, but it sounded interesting and hands on. This may scare away most but I found it intriguing and wanted to learn more.”

Hannah: “I did not think that I would end up with a job in manufacturing. Growing up, I didn’t have a complete understanding of what all it entails because of that it was not as appealing to me as other opportunities.”

Logan: “Our country was built on manufacturing and local manufacturing is also good for our economy. Everything you use on a day to day basis was manufactured and this industry is not going anywhere, so I knew since high school that I wanted a career in a manufacturing environment.

What do you think your peers perceptions of manufacturing is?

Hannah: “I feel like most think of your typical 80’s factory job. Long hours, dirty shop, no windows, and little flexibility.

Logan: “My high school did an excellent job of promoting manufacturing, so my peers growing up had a positive impression. I feel like other schools only promote four year college degrees and those schools should be more open to the skilled trades industry opportunities as well.”

Cody: “I think most feel like it’s a challenge career with dead end jobs”

Now that you are working in manufacturing, has your perception changed at all? If so how?

Logan: “My perception has always been positive, so no it hasn’t changed. I have known that I didn’t necessarily want a four-year degree, but once I learned that DeWys offered tuition reimbursement I figured I could now learn about manufacturing inside and outside of the shop.

Cody: “Now that I have worked in manufacturing for a few years, I have learned ALOT. DeWys has a great training program and gives you the opportunity to cross train if interested.

Hannah: “Now that I am working in manufacturing, it is an eye opener and really cool to be working with parts that will eventually go towards items I use on a day to day basis.

From what I heard when talking to Logan, Hannah, and Cody is that the younger generation is open minded and excited to learn more about manufacturing! More manufacturers and educators should be partnering together to promote the skilled trades industry to change the dark, dirty, dead end perception in the next generation. So again, my question to you is how are you changing the perception of manufacturing?