Our members often tell us there is a significant skills gap in manufacturing. Day after day, thousands of jobs go unfilled, reducing productivity and holding the American economy back. Yet, only 24% of the manufacturing workforce is women. To be sure, this represents a larger share than has historically been the case, but manufacturers know there is an opportunity for growth. We can take an important step toward filling the skills gap in manufacturing by tapping into the potential of women.
In 2012, the Manufacturing Institute began to address this challenge by launching the Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead initiative to honor and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry. STEP Ahead celebrates the accomplishments of women in manufacturing at all levels –from the production line to the C-suite – by honoring leaders in the field at the annual STEP awards.
Yesterday we celebrated those in the next class of leaders. 160 women from all across the country were in our nation’s Capital to be honored for their hard work and determination. These women have often succeeded without peers to guide them, but press ahead knowing they are inspiring the next generation of women in manufacturing. The NAM celebrates and congratulates these women for their contribution to our nation’s economy.