The Next Generation for Manufacturing Competitiveness?: Investigating the Influence of Industry-Driven Outreach on Children Career Perceptions

Abstract

Manufacturing is considered one of the major economic drivers in the United States. However, a challenge for manufacturing competitiveness can be the negative perception of the industry held by children, and society as a whole, which may make them reluctant to pursue manufacturing careers and fulfill the projected workforce demands. Accordingly, there have been a number of talent pipeline initiatives to address the issues related to (1) the availability of a skilled workforce, (2) the preparation of students for the jobs of tomorrow, and (3) teacher access to the tools necessary to inspire children to pursue high-demand career pathways. While these industry-driven outreach initiatives are often developed with the best intentions, research attempts focused on better understanding the influences of these initiatives on children’s perceptions of manufacturing-related careers are necessary. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the career perceptions of children (Grades K-8) and the influence of an industry-led summer camp focused on robotics in manufacturing. To do so, data were collected from career-perception surveys and a “Draw-A-Manufacturer” test, which were administered before and after the camp experience. The influences of the summer camp on the participants’ career perceptions and interests are presented and used as a foundation for discussions and recommendations for developing outreach initiatives and preparing children for the future of work.