Women in manufacturing: The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, APICS

The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS released a study, “Women in Manufacturing: Stepping up to make an impact that matters.” The joint study is the result of more than 600 survey responses from women professionals in the manufacturing industry, along with nearly 20 manufacturing executive interviews. The insights point to how companies can effectively recruit, retain, and advance talented women in manufacturing, and illustrates ways that women in manufacturing are making an impact in the industry through programs like STEP (science, technology, engineering, and production) Ahead.

This study confirms the importance of increasing the amount of women in the manufacturing workforce and that many manufacturers are missing a critical talent pool, which could aid in closing the skills gap. Some key highlights from the study include:

• Nearly three fourths (70%) of women indicate they would stay in manufacturing if they were to start their career today
• Some of the most important employment characteristics for women in manufacturing include opportunities for challenging and interesting assignments, attractive pay, and work-life balance
• The most impactful programs to help retain women in manufacturing include formal and informal mentorship programs, flexible work practices, and increasing the visibility of key leaders who serve role models

The study also examines the positive impact of STEP Ahead, reporting insights from former honorees and emerging leaders who indicate STEP Ahead has helped raise the visibility of opportunities for women in the industry, manufacturing opportunities in the community, and opportunities for women within their companies. The STEP Ahead honorees and emerging leaders have reached an estimated 300,000 individuals – from peers in the industry to school age children – as a result of their active industry engagement.

• Nearly 90% indicate they are engaged with individuals to raise the visibility of the industry
• 92% are engaged in efforts in the development of women
• 70% are engaged with K-12 system to encourage young girls and boys to consider careers in manufacturing

While there has been an overall positive change in the industry’s attitude toward women employees, women still make up 29% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce, while they make up approximately half of the total U.S. labor force. In an effort to improve this, The Manufacturing Institute is promoting the role of women in manufacturing through mentoring, recognition, research, and leadership with the STEP Ahead initiative.

i “Employed persons by detailed industry, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity; Labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm