Gen Z now has a different viewpoint on manufacturing since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic first began. According to new research by Parsable, 18-24-year-olds believe that manufacturing is more important than what they thought it was. However, there is still stigma surrounding jobs in manufacturing, especially when it comes to salaries.
Over 50% of respondents remain neutral or disinterested in frontline manufacturing work, while 30% are concerned that it “may be a low-skilled, manual job.” In addition, 41% believe that “it does not pay very well.”
When assessing potential career opportunities, “good pay” was cited as the top priority (64%). Meanwhile, 65% of respondents believe that manufacturing jobs pay less than the industry average. However, according to Glassdoor, the average manufacturing salary for someone with just one year of experience is around $60,000 annually.
Still, there is a lack of education when it comes to manufacturing-based jobs that hinders Gen Z recruitment. According to Parsable, 59% of respondents said they might have been interested in manufacturing if they had access to related programs while in school; however, more than half (53%) cited not having such access.
"Parsable's research shows significant discrepancies between the perception of manufacturing among new job candidates and the reality of today's factory environment," said Lawrence Whittle, CEO of Parsable. "Potential employees, both high school and college graduates, want jobs with a meaningful and rewarding future, including a good salary and the ability to have modern technologies at their fingertips for onboarding, training and professional development. The industry needs to highlight and educate our younger generations on the reality of frontline manufacturing work, which is actually very advanced and future-focused, in order to attract the best and brightest candidates."
Per Parsable:
- 47% reported getting career inspiration from family; however, 55% do not know anyone who works in manufacturing.
- 58% of recent four-year university graduates are interested in a career in manufacturing. This could be influenced by the availability of educational programs, as 58% of these respondents were offered access to them at school.
- 43% of recent vocational school graduates are interested in working in manufacturing; however, 39% have the perception that these jobs are low-skilled.
- More than half (57%) of those who considered a career in frontline manufacturing since the pandemic did so because they believe it is an industry important to the country.
- 43% of recent vocational school graduates are interested in working in manufacturing; however, 39% have the perception that these jobs are low-skilled.
- More than half (57%) of those who considered a career in frontline manufacturing since the pandemic did so because they believe it is an industry important to the country.
