Our country depends on you. America makes things. It's what we do, and manufacturing is the economic driver that has provided Americans the highest standard of living in the world.
Now more than ever, advanced manufacturing offers rewarding careers with opportunities for advancement.
Look around the room, just about everything in it is a manufactured product (clock, flooring, lighting, chairs, clothes, computers, stapler, bag of chips, paper cup…). That is a lot of manufacturing. And every product has its own unique manufacturing process, many require high tech equipment. This high tech equipment needs skilled technical people to operate it. Caterpillar, Exelon and Flint Hills are all advanced manufacturers; yet their products and the processes and plants that make the products are totally different. But, their need for a highly-skilled and innovative workforce that welcomes challenges and their ability to provide great opportunities for career advancement is typical of advanced manufacturers in Will County.
Many people still think of manufacturing as it was 50 years ago, not realizing that it has changed into a high-tech, advanced industry requiring skilled and talented people. Unfortunately, many young people do not see manufacturing as a viable career path. In fact, they often don't even think of manufacturing when considering career options.
Now more than ever, advanced manufacturing offers rewarding careers with opportunities for advancement. High-paying positions remain open throughout the manufacturing industry with even more opportunities becoming available as the baby-boom generation retires.
Eighty percent of manufacturers in the United States report they cannot find the skilled employees they need—which translates into incredible career opportunities for the next generation.
Will County’s manufacturers are here because they need a highly skilled workforce to run their technology processes and machines. While other areas will likely continue to see manufacturing relocate to low-cost, low-skill labor locations, our advanced manufacturers are here because it makes economic sense.
Take a look through this website and explore opportunities you may not even know existed. And, if you are interested in learning more about the Dream It. Do It. program, contact Laura Price.
