Manufacturing careers…not just for men

Are you a young woman considering career options?  Are you tech-savvy?  Does working in a fast-paced and innovative environment appeal to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider a career in advanced manufacturing. 

When people think of a career in “manufacturing” they might imagine lots of heavy machinery and factory workers in dirty overalls handling hefty metal tools.  Those are the factories of yesterday and those days are long over.

Technological advances and industry changes have transformed the way manufacturing companies operate. This industry has evolved to be highly technical and has created a demand for skilled workers of any gender.

Some outdated stereotypes about manufacturing still persist and the sector is often perceived as traditional blue-collar, male-dominated, heavily relying on manual labour, requiring lower levels of education and offering lower wages.

But this could not be further from the truth.

Manufacturing today is an exciting and rapidly developing sector, driven by high tech and innovation. Young women thrive in these positions and are well suited for careers that require advanced skills.

Many young women from high school and above, when choosing their future career paths, are not fully aware of the prospects offered by a career in advanced manufacturing. A similarly low awareness among parents and influencers contributes to the problem. As a result, many young women may be missing opportunities to build an exciting and fulfilling career.

Manufacturers face similar challenges of being able to attract and retain skilled talent. They need smart, educated and tech-savvy workers, regardless of their gender.

The demand exists for young women to take on exciting roles in advanced manufacturing.

To learn more, take our quiz at Forge Ahead and see how well you are suited for a career in the dynamic world of advanced manufacturing.