As part of the second-annual Manufacturing Day (October 4, 2013), NAM reported that more than 800 manufacturers across the nation opened their doors and shared the innovative and advanced operations that make manufacturing among the most rewarding career options available. Tripling in size since last year’s inaugural event, Manufacturing Day offered students and members of the community an up close view of the dynamic, highly skilled jobs available in modern manufacturing. It spotlighted the outstanding opportunities that exist and highlighted that manufacturing is a 21st-century industry that is constantly evolving.
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said, “The robust response and participation in Manufacturing Day from across America shows manufacturers’ commitment to developing the talent needed for a 21st-century workforce.” Timmons also said, “By opening shopfloors to young and curious minds around the country, we are able to show modern manufacturing for what it is—a technology-driven industry that offers secure, good-paying jobs and the ability to develop products that will change the world.”
Doug Oberhelman, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar said, manufacturers opened “their facilities to their communities.” Students received “a glimpse of modern manufacturing” and got to “experience our high-tech and dynamic sector up close.” Timmons and Oberhelman wrote, in an op-ed, our hope is that people will realize there is “no single path that invariably leads to a bright future, but today, manufacturing is a solid bet.”