An education for the future of manufacturing

Virginia became the 11th area to embrace the manufacturing careers and economic development campaign Dream It. Do It.

By Plant Engineering Staff November 1, 2007

Virginia became the 11th area to embrace the manufacturing careers and economic development campaign Dream It. Do It.

In partnership with National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Manufacturing Institute, a collection of business leaders and educators represent an effort trying to attract young people to careers in advanced manufacturing and help provide them with educational and training opportunities.

The program began in 2005 in Kansas City, Mo., and recently spread to Virginia, Nebraska, Indiana, regions of Ohio, Texas, Washington, Arizona and Illinois. In addition, the national partners include The College Board, Monster, Skills USA and the American Association of Community Colleges. The Virginia Council on Advanced Technology Skills, Virginia Manufacturers Association and the Virginia Biotechnology Association co-sponsored the recently added Virginia Campaign.

The 2005 Skills Gap report commissioned by NAM and the Manufacturing Institute revealed that more than 80% of NAM members reported having problems finding qualified employees, 90% of manufacturers reported a modern to severe shortage of skilled production employees and 83% reported shortages that currently affect their ability to serve customers.

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