A Broken Marketplace is a Chance for Alignment
The Schultz Family Foundation’s recent report, The Broken Marketplace, outlines a recognizable reality: while young people are motivated to succeed, the institutions meant to support their journey from school to career are misaligned and, in many cases, failing them.
Young adults remain hopeful, but they’re navigating this system with little support. Parents, though well-intentioned, often rely on outdated advice that doesn’t reflect the complexity of today’s career landscape. Educators and career navigators see the disconnects, but they’re under-resourced and lack access to modern tools and employer partnerships. Meanwhile, many employers expect experience for entry-level roles but offer few meaningful opportunities to gain it.
That’s why the Manufacturing Institute is working to repair these disconnects for the manufacturing industry. Whether it’s through MFG Day or initiatives like FAME USA that connect training directly to employment—we’re creating the infrastructure that young people need to navigate the journey from classroom to career with confidence.
With MFG Day around the corner, the release of this report is especially timely. MFG Day changes perceptions by bringing students, parents and educators into manufacturing facilities to experience the technology and careers that define our industry today. It breaks down outdated assumptions and opens doors to real opportunities.
Be part of the solution by hosting an event this October to show the next generation what’s possible.
