This resource by The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with SkillsUSA and the Student Research Foundation, reports findings from an annual survey that identify the characteristics of experiences that impact high school learner career choices, with a focus on manufacturing. The report’s topline findings are that:
- 63 percent of high school learners enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) courses see their own interests and experiences as a major influence in their career pathways, while parents are the second-largest influence at 32 percent;
- 35 percent of students enrolled in CTE courses say they have no contact with potential future employers. Only 12 percent experience site visits, 20 percent have pathway-related summer employment, and 13 percent have pathway-related after-school jobs.
- CTE teachers believe industry-recognized certificates are among the most valuable educational credentials after graduating high school.
This report offers recommendations for meeting the demand for a new generation of manufacturing workers. Employers, school and district leaders, and practitioners can use this data to inform how they can recruit more learners into manufacturing career pathways. State leaders can use this data as they support industry and local school districts in developing their state’s future manufacturing workforce.
