Empowering the Next Generation of Manufacturers: The Future Makers & Creators Tour
What is the Future Makers & Creators Tour?
Last year the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), launched a new initiative aimed at educating and inspiring students about modern manufacturing. The Future Makers & Creators Tour is not only about showcasing advanced manufacturing technologies but also about connecting local businesses with the future workforce.
Building Bridges Between Education and Industry
The Future Makers & Creators Tour aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with direct exposure to local manufacturers and industry leaders. By participating in the tour, manufacturers have the opportunity to inspire and attract the next generation of manufacturing professionals while schools will provide students insights and background into rewarding alternative career opportunities in their area.
“By bringing manufacturers and schools together on this transformative journey, we can empower our future workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the constantly evolving manufacturing industry,” says Peter Connolly, “Through collaboration, continuous training, and a commitment to adaptability, we can shape a future where our employees are not just prepared for change but are driving it forward, ensuring success and sustainability for generations to come.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
On its 21-county tour of New Jersey, The Future Makers & Creators Tour kicked off at Pleasantville Public Schools last year in Atlantic County and since then, the tour has visited two more schools in New Jersey—Piscataway High School in Middlesex County and Plainfield High School in Union County—where thousands of students were able to see behind the veil of domestic manufacturing. These events brought some of the latest advanced manufacturing technology for students to learn about and interact with, from augmented reality welding to 3D printers and robotic arms, students were immersed in hands-on activities that showcased the exciting possibilities of modern manufacturing.
On top of getting some hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technology, students also had the opportunity to connect with local manufacturers in their area. These local manufacturers were able to connect with students and provide a window into what an advanced manufacturing career can offer.
Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP, emphasized the importance of initiatives like this stating, “Participating in the Future Makers & Creators Tour is not just about exploring innovation; it’s a strategic investment in workforce development.”
Local manufacturers have been quick to adopt The Future Makers & Creators tour and throw their support behind the initiative.
Educating Students about Career Opportunities
Manufacturing is expected to have nearly 4 million job vacancies over the next decade, so it’s more critical than ever for both educators and industry leaders to offer New Jersey’s youth alternatives to the traditional four-year degree path. The goal of The Future Makers & Creators Tour is to educate and inspire the manufacturing workforce of the future. It’s important for schools to participate in the tour to ensure that their students get a more complete view of available career paths and opportunities in their area.
Education in America is changing, with more students electing to enroll in trade schools and community college technical degree programs, over going the traditional college degree route. It’s no longer realistic for schools to expect all students to elect the traditional four-year degree—especially as education costs continue to rise as wages continue to stagnate. According to New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development, a manufacturing career boasts one of the highest average salaries in the state, with manufacturing employees earning $74,000 annually on average.
Get Involved
Whether you are a manufacturer looking to connect with future talent or a school eager to educate your students about their career options, there are various ways to get involved. For manufacturers, this is your chance to inspire the next generation by sharing your professional experience and shedding light on career opportunities in the local industry; and for schools, this is an opportunity to broaden your students’ career potential and teach them about local careers and industry. Together, we’re changing young people’s perspectives and empowering New Jersey’s youth to explore exciting possibilities in manufacturing! Visit NJMEP.org/MakersandCreators to learn more about how you can contribute to this initiative and help shape the future of manufacturing in New Jersey.
