Future 30 program to recognize workforce development efforts

The issue of workforce development for the next generation of manufacturing remains the most important issue facing plant floor managers. A major part of that issue is showing young people why manufacturing is a successful and dynamic career choice for the 21st century. In an effort to call further attention to this issue, Plant Engineering and Mobil Industrial Lubricants will sponsor the Futur...

February 1, 2010

The issue of workforce development for the next generation of manufacturing remains the most important issue facing plant floor managers. A major part of that issue is showing young people why manufacturing is a successful and dynamic career choice for the 21st century.

In an effort to call further attention to this issue, Plant Engineering and Mobil Industrial Lubricants will sponsor the Future 30 program in 2010. Future 30 will recognize 30 individuals under the age of 40 around the United States who have made manufacturing their career.

Nominations will be accepted until August 15, 2010 from individuals and companies interested in nominating a manufacturing professional under the age of 40 for recognition in the Future 30 program.

The 30 individuals selected will be profiled in a special section in the September 2010 issue of Plant Engineering and will be invited to attend a special reception in their honor in conjunction with the 2010 IMTS show Sept. 13-18 in Chicago.

Throughout the year, Plant Engineering will feature stories about efforts to encourage young people to enter manufacturing, and how civic, business and educational leaders around the country are developing programs to encouraging young people to consider manufacturing as a career.

Studies conducted by Plant Engineering over the past five years indicate that the lack of skilled workers is the major issue faced by manufacturing managers.

“More than any other issue during the last four years, plant managers have told us that they need skilled workers to meet future challenges,” said Plant Engineering editor Bob Vavra. “Future 30 will provide examples of how and why young people in manufacturing made this career choice. We have talked a great deal about the ‘Skills Gap’ in manufacturing. Future 30 allows us the chance to turn that talk into action.”

For informaion on Futre 30 or for an application, contact  editor Bob Vavra at bvavra@cfemdia.com.