Workforce News

Washington, D.C. – On Oct. 4, Union Pacific Railroad, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the NAM—will celebrate Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), a national day focused on fostering an in-depth understanding of the rewarding and high-paying careers available in modern manufacturing.

MFG Day launches annually on the first Friday of October, with events throughout the month and beyond.

MFG Day, which is an initiative of the MI, brings manufacturers and others together to build excitement for manufacturing careers, while helping communities and future generations thrive. With hundreds of thousands of jobs available in the manufacturing sector, the need to connect communities and people across the United States with these opportunities has never been greater.

“National MFG Day puts the spotlight on modern manufacturing, allowing us to change the narrative and perception about the careers available today,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Too many people are unaware of the incredible opportunities for meaningful, well-paying careers in this innovative industry. This is only the beginning. That’s why we’re working year-round to engage the future of our workforce—America’s students and young people—to show them what’s available today in their own backyards.”

“Union Pacific is proud of our history supporting the manufacturing industry on numerous fronts, including shipping the goods and raw materials needed to manufacture products sold here in the U.S. and abroad,” said Union Pacific President Beth Whited. “We believe strongly in the spirit of MFG Day and its goal of inspiring a new generation of workers to consider a career in manufacturing, including fulfilling careers available in the freight rail industry.”

“Every year, manufacturers from around the country help us celebrate MFG Day and plant the seed for the next generation of manufacturing teams,” said NAM President and CEO and MI Chairman of the Board Jay Timmons. “Manufacturing is a high-tech, clean, rewarding and life-changing place to build a future, and MFG Day is a chance to put our best foot forward.”

As an official sponsor of MFG Day 2024, Union Pacific Railroad, alongside the MI and the NAM, is proud to showcase the dynamic and innovative nature of the manufacturing industry and to inspire the workforce of today and tomorrow.

For more information about MFG Day or to learn how you can get involved, please contact MI Director of Student Engagement Jen White at [email protected] or (202) 637-3158.

Media interested in interviews can email David O’Brien.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-The MI-

The Manufacturing Institute builds a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.