The National Association of Manufacturers reports that 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are vastly underrepresented in the manufacturing industry, holding just 3 out of every 10 jobs. It seems pretty elementary, but it’s time for the problem to meet the solution – let’s start filling the ranks with smart, skilled women who can close that gap!
Listeners of the Manufacturing Meet Up podcast have come to love the banter and insights from co-hosts Ed Ballina and Alvaro Cuba. And in the show’s season two premiere, the guys have clearly met their match.
Guests Ellen Feldman Ornato and Jenny Drescher are founding partners of The Bolder Company and co-hosts of The Manufacturing Shake-Up. At Bolder, they run experiential learning programs and develop leadership content for emerging leaders in manufacturing. On the podcast, they interview women who are working in manufacturing roles—from young adults just starting their careers to seasoned veterans on the plant floor and in the C-suite.
Ellen and Jenny are serious about supporting women in manufacturing and having fun, too. Much to Ed and Alvaro’s surprise, puppets made a surprise appearance. (Yes, puppets.)
Busting Myths: It’s Not Always Dark, Dirty, and Dangerous
While it’s absolutely true that men hold more manufacturing jobs than women, Jenny is quick to challenge the idea that women aren’t represented in the industry. “Women show up, stuff gets done,” she says.
With a nod to Rosie the Riveter, she notes that women have long been crucial to manufacturing, highlighting their impactful work during wartime. Ellen also points out that manufacturing is evolving, and much of today’s industry just doesn’t align with the stereotypes of manufacturing as dark, dirty, and dangerous.
Creating Inclusive Environments – Like Closer Bathrooms!
Although young women don’t often consider careers in manufacturing, there are ways to make this path more attractive to women. As Ellen explains, it’s about creating spaces where “you don’t have to put up with an environment that doesn’t work for you on an emotional level.” Doubling down on this idea, she says, “We can’t be stressed out every day and do our best work.”
Manufacturing leaders who want to support women and tap into their talents need to be thinking about things like:
- Flexible work hours, allowing women to split shifts or, when the role allows for it, work from home from time to time.
- Practical workplace accommodations, like having more than just one restroom for women in a 15,000+ square foot facility.
- Leadership that values vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence instead of finger-wagging and blame-shifting.
Raising Awareness By Knocking Down Walls
Of course, one of the biggest barriers to women pursuing a manufacturing career is simply not knowing the opportunity exists. This goes for young people in general, too, according to Ellen.
Sharing the results of a study conducted by the Office of Manufacturing in the state of Connecticut, she says they discovered there was a “…complete absence of awareness that manufacturing was even a thing. Manufacturing happens in buildings behind the walls. It’s not like kids have any exposure at all to this entire sector of the economy unless it’s intentional, right?”
The solution has been multifaceted. High schools are creating relationships with local manufacturers. Commercials and radio programs discuss these careers, broadcasting the possibilities and raising awareness among the general public. The Manufacturing Shake-Up podcast has even been introduced to technical schools and into the regional college system in Connecticut.
Puppets?
The episode covered so much, but we can’t leave without mentioning one of Ellen and Jenny’s favorite teaching tools: hand puppets. In their day jobs at The Bolder Company, they focus on using brain science to facilitate lasting behavioral changes among teams and leaders.
The best way to do this? Create fun, experiential learning environments where people can tap into their creativity and transform the way they think about themselves, their work, and company culture. It was only natural that their puppets made a surprise appearance. You’ll have to tune it to see the whole thing!
Haven’t listened to the Manufacturing Meet Up yet? You’re missing out! Each episode is packed with great insights about life on the plant floor, covering everything from emerging tech to career tips and more. Browse every episode here, watch on YouTube, or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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