Today’s manufacturing is about advanced technologies, state of the art facilities, and fast paced work environments. But most of all, manufacturing is about those people who like to see the product of a hard day’s work. However, this is not the impression of manufacturing that is held by many Americans today.

Only 35 percent of parents say they would encourage their children to pursue careers in manufacturing, despite the advanced skills and high pay that are characteristic of work in today’s advanced manufacturing industry. This is due to a perception of manufacturing that existed a generation ago but does not represent the current reality of the industry.

To put an end to this misperception, The Manufacturing Institute launched the Dream It. Do It. network in 2005. Dream It. Do It. works to change the perception of the industry and inspire next-generation workers to pursue manufacturing careers. Members of the Dream It. Do It. program gain access to national support and resources to aid their pro-manufacturing efforts and join a network of industry leaders that implement activities to meet local, regional and statewide workforce needs.

The initiative offers local manufacturers, schools, community-based organizations and other stakeholders the opportunity to partner with a respected national platform to promote manufacturing as a top tier career choice in the United States. Dream It. Do It. promotes manufacturing to three distinct target markets: student, parents and educators.

In 2015, the network successfully engaged:

426,000 students
76,000 influencers (parents and educators)
8,600 manufacturers