The first Friday in October is an exciting day in the manufacturing industries. Each year, MFG Day—Manufacturing Day— is celebrated with day-of events as well as more programs that continue throughout the month and beyond. MFG day is a national grassroots movement that demonstrates the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers. Thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide are invited to open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders.
What is Manufacturing Day?
MFG Day is an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. This national movement encourages and empowers manufacturers from numerous industries to address their collective challenges and build excitement about manufacturing careers to help their communities and future generations thrive.
The first MFG day was celebrated in October 2012, after roughly a year of planning, outreach, and promotion. Founders and sponsors of the event hoped to showcase the importance of modern manufacturing and the advancements being made by the industry in order to drum up interest and support from students, the community, and local and national governments. MFG Day has gained significant momentum since its inception, and thousands of events are held across the country each year. It serves as an important platform for promoting the vitality and importance of the manufacturing sector in the United States.
MFG Day events have historically displayed the strength and innovation of modern manufacturing, which involves computers, computer numerical control (CNC) Machines, robotics, and more. For attendees, especially those who might be considering a career in manufacturing, these often hands-on events help improve the image of manufacturing and bridge the "perception gap" that may dissuade potential skilled workers from getting involved in the trades.
This year, MFG day falls on October 4, 2024. In addition to in-person events promoting the manufacturing industry as well as specific skilled trades, MFG day can also include virtual events and webinars for long-distance learning. A complete list of this year's registered events can be found at the MFG Day website.
Why Manufacturing Day Matters Today and in the Future
According to the Manufacturing Institute, the goals of celebrating MFG Day with educational events are:
- Raising nationwide awareness of MFG Day and positively changing perceptions of students, educators, parents, influencers and community leader.
- Demonstrating continuity within the industry to engage actively with local students and educators, creating long-term solutions to the skills gap.
- Spotlighting strength in numbers and the important role manufacturers play in their communities, states, and country.
- Highlighting the many community partnerships and grassroots efforts that are successful locally but work toward a greater common goal.
These events may include factory tours, workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities to give people, especially students and job seekers, a behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing facilities and the technologies and processes involved. By providing a firsthand experience with today's manufacturing systems, the day helps to promote innovation, encourage discussions that address the skills gap, and inspire the next generation of young manufacturers.