For Parents
A career should be more than just picking up paychecks. It should be a passion!
What energizes your child?
Be it cars or computers, music or movies, outdoors or outer space — whatever the passion — modern manufacturing offers an exciting career for young people. Rewarding employment that PAYS!
Today’s advanced manufacturing is a high-tech industry requiring skilled and talented people. The industry has changed. It’s not your father’s manufacturing any more.
In fact, manufacturing:
Pays average wages and benefits of about 20% more than the average compensation for the rest of the workforce. (Learn more on the Cool Jobs page.)
Employs more than 14 million people in the United States.
Continues to drive the economy by making the highest contribution to economic growth of any sector.
Is responsible for more than 70% of private sector research and development.
Creates a wide range of advanced technologies that cut energy use and lead to a cleaner environment.
Is a knowledge-based industry powered by computer technology.
Why Manufacturing?
Manufacturers in the United States need to fill 4 million jobs by 2030, according to a workforce study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. Manufacturing in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties remains the foundation of our regional economy. The three-county region accounts for $7.5 billion in annual shipments, a payroll of $805 million, employee benefits of $241 million and over 18,000 jobs. Average compensation in manufacturing jobs in the United States is $88,406 including pay and benefits. While manufacturing offers a great career opportunity, companies struggle to find the workers needed. We need to your help!
What does this mean for your child?
It means that now more than ever, manufacturing provides opportunities for young people to follow their passions and be financially rewarded in many varied careers demanding highly skilled, educated professionals.
How Can You Help?
Review career opportunities with your child. From determining your child’s interests, to selecting a college or university, to preparing and searching for available manufacturing jobs in the region, you can help your child make the right decisions for his or her future.
Talk to your child’s teachers and counselors about how he or she can get started on the right path now.
Encourage your child to take math and science courses starting in middle school, as advanced manufacturing is driven by technologically. Math and science are fundamental to understanding manufacturing. Computer programming skills should be studied, as well, due to the importance of computer-aided design, engineering and manufacturing programs (known as CAD/CAE/CAM) in product development and machine tool operation. For students with a firm grounding in the sciences, the opportunities are vast. Encourage your child to take STEM courses and consider a career in advanced manufacturing.
Help us spread the word and be an advocate for careers in advanced manufacturing.
Request a presentation at your workplace or organization.
Request a plant tour of a local manufacturing facility.
Volunteer at a DIDI event near you.
Education & Training
Talk to your school counselor and your teachers to learn about technology education opportunities at your school.
Begin exploring technology certificates and degree opportunity in the region. There are a wide variety of options close to home. You can affordably get the education you need to start a great career in manufacturing, at a variety of great educational and institutions in the region.
