Celebrating Women in Manufacturing and Engineering
Several months ago, we talked about artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in the manufacturing and construction industries. Here, we mention it again, as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published an article this summer about technological advancements and the correlation between more women entering the manufacturing workspace even though some consider it an industry ridden with male stereotypes. If you look back on the industrial revolution and WWII, however, women made up 65 percent of the manufacturing workforce, and many were building aircraft! With her sleeves rolled up, hair tied back in a red polka dot cloth, and the slogan, “We Can Do it!” Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of female power. Compared to pre-war times, when only one percent of women worked in factories.
Looking back, Rosie the Riveter was just one of many notable women working in manufacturing. There were many others and still are. Today’s workforce, however, looks somewhat different. Despite filling almost 50 percent of the overall job market, only 29 percent of women work in manufacturing. A number that has remained mostly stagnant since the 1970s.
It’s not just manufacturing
Engineering is the most male-dominated role in STEM. According to the Harvard Business Review, women only make up 13 percent of the workforce. With many leaving the industry or never pursuing a career despite having a degree. To understand why, starting in 2003, the authors of a study followed 700 engineering students from four schools. Over the years, they found that most women left their studies because of stereotypical treatment. Not to be dissuaded, and after numerous interviews, the researchers determined that we need to make girls aware of manufacturing and engineering opportunities early on in life and teach gender tasking and expectations in this industry.
To attract more women to manufacturing roles, the Manufacturing Institute offers mentorships, education, and recognizing women researching the topic via its STEP Ahead initiative. (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Production). While also encouraging women to pursue manufacturing careers.
Speaking of which, we have plenty of openings at a well-known semi-conductor firm here in Massachusetts in a welcoming environment where women can thrive and:
- Does not require heavy lifting
- Offers training
- Empowers candidates to learn advanced technologies
- Involves dexterity, agility, and precision
- Is an equal opportunity employer (EOP)
- Includes diversity in all departments
Did you know?
Cities attract more women in manufacturing than in any other place! In 2018, Los Angeles ranked number one. While the most significant manufacturing city, Detroit, has the lowest number of women working in manufacturing. New York took the lead with the highest gender equality.
Resources:
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is an excellent resource for scholarships, education awards, and collegiate competitions for women pursuing the STEM field. You can also check out summer programs like the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Engineeristas for girls entering grades seventh through tenth. As a staffing firm that celebrates diversity and equal opportunity, we want our readers to know the only limitations in manufacturing and engineering are how much one is willing to lift. And with women making up almost half the workforce, there’s more opportunity than ever for advancement. What’s more, it’s said that companies that maintain a culture of diversity are said to have more financial gains and productivity, and we believe it.
Looking Forward:
Are you a woman looking for a career in manufacturing? In addition to applying for positions through FootBridge, check out #creatorswanted launched by @ShopFloorNam (The National Association of Manufacturers) on Twitter. This campaign shows young people what modern manufacturing looks like. Want to follow influential women in manufacturing? Follow #Womeninstem, #WomenMFG, and #womeninmanufacturing. The sky’s the limit!
Above all, contact us today to learn more about open manufacturing positions, especially in the semiconductor industry. We’ve got you covered!
Take a look at these positions:
https://footbridgecompany.com/job/128059/
https://footbridgecompany.com/job/128043/
