National Association of Manufacturers visits Harper College
Over the next decade, 3.4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled. Yet 2 million of them are expected to go unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers.
The National Association of Manufacturers, the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the U.S., is working to close that skills gap.
The organization recently visited Harper College in Palatine, Ill., as part of its 2016 State of Manufacturing Tour to highlight the vital role the industry plays in the U.S. economy and the changing perceptions of manufacturing. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered a keynote address in Harper’s new FMA Metal Fabrication Lab, which will train up to 600 students annually and house state-of-the-art equipment such as lasers, turrets, press brakes and robotic welders.
“Today’s modern manufacturing doesn’t always look like yesterday’s,” Timmons said. “We are sleek, high-tech and innovative, and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth in the United States. The manufacturing industry is leading an innovation revolution that will win jobs for America, raise standards of living and restore our nation’s standing around the world. Modern manufacturing touches every aspect of our lives, and it’s the backbone of our economy. Our industry is about the men and women who make things in America; it’s about their creativity and the potential we can unleash. Now is the time to embrace a manufacturing resurgence to protect and promote American Exceptionalism.”
More than 100 students, elected officials, business and community leaders were in attendance to hear remarks from Timmons, Harper President Dr. Ken Ender, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois Manufacturers Association President Greg Baise, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association President and CEO Ed Youdell and Siemens Foundation CEO David Etzwiler.
The group toured Harper’s manufacturing facilities and discussed real-world solutions to create jobs and change the perceptions of manufacturing. Timmons also showcased “Competing to Win: Manufacturers’ Agenda for Economic Growth and American Exceptionalism,” which serves as a roadmap to guide voters and candidates in the upcoming elections.
As part of the 2016 State of Manufacturing Tour, Timmons visited with local manufacturers, employees, students, business and community leaders and elected officials across New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas and Maryland. Timmons is highlighting the real-world solutions needed to allow the U.S. economy and manufacturers to thrive. Manufacturing supports an estimated 18.5 million jobs in the United States, including 573,700 jobs in Illinois, and contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy.