Preparing the Manufacturing Workforce

Manufacturing workers are in high demand — and employers are paying for qualified talent. Education professionals have great influence over student career pathways, and today’s economy has great opportunities for students who are ready to become creators in our growing manufacturing industry. For many students, the best pathway to these careers is through a community or technical college, and we want to help students in communities across the state become aware of the potential that exists right in their own backyard.

Manufacturing workers are in high demand — and employers are paying for qualified talent. Education professionals have great influence over student career pathways, and today’s economy has great opportunities for students who are ready to become creators in our growing manufacturing industry. For many students, the best pathway to these careers is through a community or technical college, and we want to help students in communities across the state become aware of the potential that exists right in their own backyard.

JOIN US FOR MANUFACTURING DAY

Each year the Missouri Chamber, in partnership with Missouri Enterprise, and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) leads Missouri’s statewide MFG Day open door events and invites students to learn more about the amazing career potential that exists across the manufacturing industry. More than 7,000 students and 290 educators took part in our statewide virtual event last year.

Learn More

The Manufacturing Industry by the Numbers

The following is from ZipRecruiter:

$45,915

Mechanical Engineering Technician Average Entry Level Salary

$19/HOUR

Maintenance Technician Average Starting Rate

$38,500–$52,500

General Maintenance Average Salary Range

$70,874

Advanced Manufacturing Machinist Average Salary Statewide

How Students Can Get Started

GET EDUCATED

  • Explore the technical training opportunities available within their region and begin to obtain this information simultaneously with four-year opportunities.
  • Visit a local manufacturing facility to understand what modern manufacturing is all about.

GET INVOLVED

  • Participating in an MFG Day activity for students. MFG Day events include a visit to a local facility, a virtual manufacturing tour online or a presentation from a local manufacturer.
  • Learn more at CreatorsWanted.org or on the event page.

GET PROACTIVE

  • Request literature from local communities or technical colleges about their manufacturing programs.
  • Explore credentialing curriculum — learn more here

For more information about preparing the manufacturing workforce, contact Brian Crouse, Vice President of Education.

Brian Crouse

Vice President of Education Programs

CONTACT
Workforce 2030 graphic with conference background.

WORKFORCE2030

As part of Missouri 2030, Workforce2030 is a strategic
initiative designed to strengthen our state’s workforce.


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