Improving Perceptions of Manufacturing
See how the Manufacturing Institute is changing hearts and minds—and building the workforce of tomorrow through real experiences, role models and proven pathways.
Modern manufacturing is high-tech, clean and opportunity-rich—yet public perceptions haven’t fully caught up. The Manufacturing Institute (the nonprofit workforce and education affiliate of the NAM) exists to change that, building and diversifying the talent pipeline while elevating the real story of today’s manufacturing.
Why this Matters
America’s manufacturers could need as many as 3.8 million additional employees by 2033, and talent remains the No. 1 business challenge. Closing the perception gap—so more students, parents and career-changers see manufacturing as a first‑choice path—is essential to meeting that demand. Recent MI–Deloitte research finds the industry is widely viewed as vital and innovative, but interest in manufacturing careers still trails reality.
How we do it
We improve perceptions by pairing national storytelling and hands‑on experiences with proven earn‑and‑learn programs that create visible on‑ramps into the field.
FAME USA (Advanced Manufacturing Technician program) blends paid on‑the‑job training with college coursework—1,300+ students enrolled, 2,200 graduates and ~90% employment—demonstrating modern manufacturing’s clear, upward career pathways.
Manufacturing Day (MFG Day)—the first Friday each October—opens doors at factories and training centers nationwide, showing students, parents and educators what modern manufacturing really looks like. Plant tours are a research‑backed way to spark interest in these careers.
STEP Ahead supports and empowers the workers leading manufacturing at every level, helping individuals build successful careers while strengthening the industry’s future by inspiring the next generation.
