Gen Z is getting the message on manufacturing

Although we’re far from filling every vacant industrial job, there’s good news for attracting a younger workforce to manufacturing. According to a survey by real estate and business development firm American Revitalization Co. (ARC, https://www.arclp.fund), 83% of Gen Z respondents are open to or likely to consider trade jobs, with 46% of respondents indicating a preference for manufacturing specifically.

The U.S. Census estimates 69.3 million Generation Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – account for slightly more than 20% of the U.S. population. Based on those numbers, ARC’s survey indicates 26.5 million of Gen Z are interested in manufacturing work, and they’re the prime age for making career choices. By comparison, 78% of Millennials (born 1981-1996) shared Gen Z’s views.

ARC’s President of Manufacturing Greg White tells Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, “To increase Gen Z’s interest in manufacturing, we need to start educating them on the opportunities and value of manufacturing. The education system has moved away from teaching hands-on skill sets, but we know experience is the best teacher. Discovering you like hands-on work in middle or high school can spark an interest in manufacturing or other trade jobs early on.”

More than 1,000 survey takers were asked how much they agreed or disagreed with certain statements, including “In school, I was led to believe that a college education was my best shot at a well-paying job.” Nearly 4 of 5 (79.6%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. When asked if college is too expensive, 82.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. Those figures include Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Considering the career opportunities manufacturing offers and the ability to join the workforce without paying down massive college debt, Gen Z individuals are wise to pursue a trade job. As further incentive, Glassdoor estimates the median salary for an aerospace machinist is more than $73,000. Even though entry level pay is less, the earning potential is still strong and will grow as Boomers retire.

Another positive result of the survey is 79% of respondents agree or strongly agree they’d like to see manufacturing return to the United States. Nearly 81% agree or strongly agree manufacturing is critical to the U.S. economy, while fewer than 1 in 5 agreed/strongly agreed it was good the U.S. outsourced manufacturing to other countries. Efforts to bring U.S. manufacturing home have been gaining momentum, and the survey indicates public sentiment supports onshoring.

ARC is playing a role in keeping manufacturing in America. The company’s mission is to preserve historically important real estate and manufacturing in local communities nationwide. CEO Steve Austin says, “We focus on metal and plastic forming, fabrication, and light assembly operations.” He adds ARC is investing in other companies but can’t make them public until the acquisitions are completed.

Gen Z’s interest in manufacturing jobs – and reshoring – are both positive for easing manufacturing’s workforce shortage. – Eric