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There is a new wave of job openings here in the Midwest and across the country. These jobs immerse you in a high-tech environment where you can earn a great living, do something different every day, build a future and make people’s lives better. We’re talking about the modern manufacturing industry, where our job descriptions say: “Creators Wanted.”
Manufacturers are in the middle of a hiring spree, with 800,000 jobs available nationwide. The demand for the incredibly wide range of products manufactured here in Illinois and across the country is constantly growing, and our industry is becoming more technologically advanced. To keep up with those trends, we need to keep growing our roster of the best and brightest talent, so we can make the most of business opportunities, innovate and better integrate our new technologies.
But even in the middle of this hiring spree, we have a long way to go before we have everybody we need. In fact, we’ll need to hire millions more workers—perhaps more than 4 million by the end of the decade, according to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.
That also means it is a great time to look for a job, because we have something for everybody. Regardless of your level of education or experience, we’re doing everything we can to compete for your time and attention. Manufacturing team members take home more in pay and benefits than most other industries, with long-term options for career growth and building new proficiencies through training and upskilling.
We’re especially eager to find people with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Whether we’re building advanced automation and digital transformation solutions—as Rockwell Automation does—or building electric vehicles, ramping up semiconductor production or creating lifesaving new pharmaceuticals, the products and the technology we use to make them are becoming more advanced. According to new Manufacturing Institute research supported by Rockwell and PTC, finding people with STEM skills and abilities and an understanding of data science, analytics and digital technology will be a major hiring need for our industry. Along with STEM backgrounds, we need problem-solvers, people who can think critically and those who have strong interpersonal skills.
Our industry is going the extra mile to find the people we’re looking for. We also happen to have one of the most immersive, exciting help wanted pitches ever—it’s a national campaign called “Creators Wanted.” Rockwell is partnering with the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute (the NAM’s workforce development and education partner) to bring the Creators Wanted Tour to Chicago as part of Rockwell’s Automation Fair for two days, starting Nov. 16. Rockwell expects 10,000 people to attend the event.
This tour is part job fair, part puzzle and part tech expo, providing a true showcase of what the world of modern manufacturing looks like. It features a mobile escape room-like experience where you can test out your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities on timed challenges, much like manufacturing teams do every day.
Modern manufacturing is where the future is being made. If you have ever wondered how you could make your mark on the world, check out Creators Wanted. This is your chance.
Blake Moret is the Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, Inc., and serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors. Jay Timmons is the President and CEO of the NAM and the Chairman of the Board
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