It’s no secret that millennials and manufacturing don’t exactly mix.

The percentage of millennials involved in manufacturing is unbelievably small, and 81% of manufacturers surveyed don’t plan to increase the number of millennials in their workforce. This is the case even though those born between the early 1980’s and early 2000’s make up one out of every three workers – and there are 77 million who are set to enter the workforce.

Baby boomers exiting the workforce will free up 3.5 million jobs in manufacturing, and someone will have to take their place. But will millennials be the answer, considering how they’ve largely avoided the sector so far?

Moving forward, to obtain skilled workers, it’s clear that manufacturers will have to encourage more young workers to take up manufacturing as a career path.

Changing Perceptions

According to the Industry Market Barometer, a survey of manufacturers, 43% of industry pros perceive millennials to have a lax work ethic and a lack of discipline. But much of this perception is misplaced; millennials work as hard as anyone else, they just work differently.

Much of this involves their dependence on, and attraction to, cutting-edge technology – and careers that center around it. This shouldn’t exclude manufacturing, though, since technology has played a crucial role in developing manufacturing over the past few decades. Indeed, technology advances in our sector are exciting and on the cutting edge, which should appeal to millennials.

There is also the perception that floor work is “dirty” and “dangerous” and offers little job security. While this may have been true in the past, it’s less true today, and manufacturers are responsible to change this perception for younger workers.

Using Technology to Bridge the Gap

As hinted at earlier, technology has the potential to help bridge the gap between millennials and manufacturers.

Embracing technology is already recommended, since it dramatically increases productivity and bottom-line results. But doing so with the double aim of raising productivity and reaching millennials offers a way to transcend generational gaps and bring more of these young workers into the fold.

Technology isn’t just for once they get on the job, though; it’s also important to train and educate millennials in school on the merits of a career in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. Whether it’s automation through robotics or specialized controls, advanced technical training aids can be used to enrich their education – and grab their attention – by using cutting-edge software and hardware that creates realistic training scenarios.

Corporations can get in on the act by sponsoring more educational programs at local schools and obtaining these training aids for the curriculum.

The Future of the Workplace

Without a doubt, the future of manufacturing – and skilled labor in general – can be found with millennials. But steps must be taken now to make the industry more attractive to the younger generation.

By focusing on technology and changing perceptions held by both sides, the future of manufacturing can be secured for yet another generation during this critical juncture.