Women Representation in Manufacturing is Lagging Behind The Times

What’s going on:     

Since President Biden took office, an increase in manufacturing opportunities has been observed in the U.S., particularly in the South and Mountain West regions, according to Axios. The data stems from the Bureau of Labor Statistics which reveals that around 800,000 manufacturing jobs have been added nationwide. However, this raises also questions for some experts regarding equity in those new opportunities. Research published in a survey by the Manufacturers Alliance Foundation, reveals that 82% of men said there has been significant progress in providing equal opportunities and pay for women in manufacturing — but only 38% of women agreed, according to Bloomberg.  

Why it matters:    

The job growth in manufacturing is an important factor on the U.S. economy. Manufacturing jobs typically offer higher than average pay rates for job seekers in the labor market. However, despite women participation rates in the workforce reaching record highs, the manufacturing sector is one field that continuously struggles when experts examine the demographics that make up the industry. Bloomberg reports that the women representation in the field has pretty much remained unchanged since the 1970s.  

How it’ll impact the future:    

The addition of thousands of manufacturing jobs will require those positions to be filled. Manufacturing companies might be able to tap into a wider talent pool by actively seeking to employ individuals from more diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. For example, the industry could make a collective effort to recruit more women that are interested in openings within the field.  

As the emphasis on renewable energy and technology grows, more jobs in these sectors could lead to a demand for workers with specialized skills and training. This could also lead to new types of “upskilling” by manufacturing companies. The increasing opportunities could also have positive impacts on regions experiencing significant population growth. This could lead to economic revitalization and population shifts.