In recent years, manufacturing has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in automation, AI, IoT, and data analytics. Despite this shift, the sector still grapples with a lingering perception problem: many tech professionals view manufacturing as outdated, unchallenging, or lacking in innovation.
The Perception Problem: Why It Exists
The perception problem in manufacturing is rooted in historical realities. For decades, manufacturing was seen as a labor-intensive, low-tech industry. Images of assembly lines and repetitive tasks dominate the collective imagination, overshadowing the sector’s current state of innovation and technological advancement.
Several Factors Contribute To This Outdated Perception
Legacy Stereotypes
The image of manufacturing as a “dirty, dull, and dangerous” industry persists, despite the advent of smart factories and cutting-edge technology. In a study published by Industry Week it’s found that while 71% of those 55 and older believe manufacturing is important, only 45% of people 18-34 feel that way.
Lack of Awareness
Many tech professionals are unaware of the opportunities available in modern manufacturing, from working with advanced robotics to developing AI-driven predictive maintenance systems.
Competing Industries
The tech industry’s most prominent sectors—such as software development, fintech, and cybersecurity—often overshadow manufacturing, drawing the attention of tech talent with promises of dynamic work environments and innovative projects. With over 600,000 stable manufacturing jobs in the wings waiting to be filled, it is hard to move forward when younger audiences flock to more attractive fields.
Changing the Narrative: How to Attract Tech to Manufacturing
To overcome these challenges, manufacturing companies must take proactive steps to reshape their image and showcase the exciting opportunities they offer to tech professionals. Here’s how:
Highlight Technological Innovation
Showcase Smart Manufacturing
Emphasize the integration of IoT, AI, and machine learning in manufacturing processes. Highlight how these technologies are revolutionizing production lines, improving efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance. The use of AI in different ways in the manufacturing sector only continues to rise. Whether that be quality control (59%), inventory (44%), or customer care (29%) the uses for AI are making their way through the entire industry (Statista).
Promote Industry 4.0
Position your company as a leader in the Industry 4.0 movement, where cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, and big data analytics drive operations. This can attract tech professionals who want to be at the forefront of technological innovation.
Create Clear Career Paths
Offer Growth Opportunities
Tech professionals are often drawn to roles that offer continuous learning and career advancement. Create clear pathways for growth within your organization, from entry-level tech positions to leadership roles in digital transformation. With the job field the way it is now there are millions of individuals without work and with plenty of potential for these seemingly undesirable manufacturing jobs. With the manufacturing market employment rate expected to amount to 3.03% in 2024 the time to seek and hire is now.
Emphasize Skill Development
Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs that allow tech employees to expand their expertise in areas like automation, robotics, and data science.
Foster a Collaborative Culture
Promote Cross-Disciplinary Teams
Tech professionals thrive in environments where they can collaborate with engineers, designers, and operators. Highlight the collaborative nature of modern manufacturing, where tech talent plays a crucial role in driving innovation.
Encourage Innovation
Cultivate a culture of innovation where tech professionals are encouraged to experiment, develop new solutions, and contribute to the evolution of manufacturing processes.
Leverage Employer Branding
Revamp Your Employer Brand
Position your company as a tech-forward organization by sharing success stories, employee testimonials, and case studies that highlight your technological achievements. 75% of job seekers are more likely to apply to companies that actively keep up their employer branding.
Engage with Tech Communities
Participate in tech conferences, hackathons, and industry events to showcase your commitment to technology and innovation. This will help raise awareness of the exciting opportunities in manufacturing.
Offer Competitive Compensation
Align with Tech Industry Standards
Ensure your compensation packages, including salaries, benefits, and incentives, are competitive with those offered by traditional tech companies. This will make your roles more appealing to top tech talent. With compensation coming out on top with 49% of people saying that is the most important thing they look for when hunting for a new job. It is crucial to keep up with competitors by offering benefits, and generous compensation.
The Future of Manufacturing: A Tech-Driven Industry
The future of manufacturing is undeniably tech-driven. From autonomous robots to AI-powered analytics, the industry is evolving rapidly, and tech professionals have a vital role to play in shaping its future. By addressing the perception problem and actively promoting the opportunities available in manufacturing, companies can attract the tech talent they need to stay competitive and innovative.
At CSS Tec, we understand the unique challenges of recruiting tech professionals for manufacturing roles. Our expertise in both technology and staffing allows us to bridge the gap between these two worlds, helping companies find the right talent to drive their digital transformation. If you’re looking to attract top tech talent to your manufacturing team, contact us today to learn how we can support your hiring needs.