Spotlight on Women in Manufacturing
We support gender diversity and inclusion at MPS Industries. As a leader in manufacturing magnetic components for industries ranging from automotive to military, we recognize the importance of setting a positive example for other organizations. We encourage strategies designed to lessen the gender gap.
Women only make up 1/3 of U.S. manufacturing jobs. Today, the sector faces the lowest number of females since 1971. So why is it that the number of women in the industry is declining despite the growth of the overall number of manufacturing jobs in the United States?
About Gender Disparity
Unfortunately, misconceptions about manufacturing have kept many women from wanting to enter the industry. For example, there are assumptions that facilities are unkempt and that grueling physical work is part of every position. Neither is true. There is also the sense that managerial roles are held only by men.
Reducing the Gender Gap in Manufacturing
Encouraging women to pursue careers in manufacturing is a goal of STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production) Ahead. This initiative highlights intriguing, fulfilling careers in the industry and celebrates female accomplishments to not only the industry but also to society. Lessoning a skills gap is possible with efforts such as this one to motivate more women to seek manufacturing-related jobs.
The Manufacturing Institute, which showcases world-elite talent in manufacturing, will honor 130 women from across the United States with the STEP Ahead award in April at a gala in Washington, D.C. The winners have made impressive achievements in the community and their organizations as manufacturers. With women being significantly underrepresented in the sector, STEP Ahead is helping encourage the next generation of women to join the manufacturing workforce.
Why Recruit More Women?
Manufacturers stand to benefit from a higher number of females in their companies. With gender diversity comes a boost in innovation, rise in ROE, and more profitability. Adding women to organizations enables organizations to tap into a new talent pool and one that is well-educated too given the number of women earning degrees. They are professionals who can become effective leaders within the manufacturing industry.
Attracting, retaining, and promoting women within the manufacturing sector is crucial to growing the U.S. economy too. Women bring skilled labor as hard workers with creative and problem-solving abilities. A more diverse employee pool gender-wise, which is possible through STEP Ahead and efforts of associations like Women in Manufacturing, brings different mindsets, which makes for better problem-solving abilities within organizations.
Contact us today to learn more about our initiatives and high-quality products like power transformers and inductors. Also, follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date in the industry.
