The Industrial Revolution 2.0

Plus: Global manufacturing shortages + Your Dream Job

🎙️ Did You Know? On this day in 1962, the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, filming began. 

Talk about a smooth operator! Agent 007 not only handled his gadgets like a pro, but he also knew how to get the job done under pressure. Maybe it's time we channel a bit of Bond's skills into our own operations. 🍸🔫

Is Working in a Factory Worth It?
Rethinking the industrial sector

What image comes to mind when you hear "factory work?" Let us guess: it's not a picture of fun, cleanliness, or excitement, is it? But what if we told you that today's factories are undergoing a massive transformation? Forget the outdated stereotypes - this isn't your grandparents' assembly line anymore... Or at least not all of them (let's be honest, some factories are still in the 50s).

The industrial sector is in a unique predicament. With an estimated 8 million manufacturing jobs potentially going unfilled by 2030, there's a growing demand for young, skilled workers to step into roles that are more exciting and rewarding than you might think.

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

Industry Perks

There may be many checkboxes on your list of characteristics of the perfect job, but there are two insurmountable qualities when defining a "good job:" Good pay and Job stability. Factory jobs often have attractive compensation packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses. As an industry that's always on the hunt for talent to stay competitive, companies aren't afraid to invest to keep you on their team.

Ready to Join the Industrial Revolution?

There are various ways to secure a job in the industrial sector. At RoadMap, we recommend exploring private-sector programs that collaborate directly with companies. 

The industrial sector is a cornerstone of the economy, offering stable employment and numerous opportunities for advancement as manufacturing integrates with global supply chains, so if you are looking for a building and stable career with growth potential, it may be worth considering.

Barbara Frei

Global industry faces a labor crisis, with manufacturing expected to suffer a global shortage of over 8 million workers by 2030. While much focus has been on upskilling current employees, a pressing issue is attracting tech-savvy Gen Z and Gen Alpha workers into the industrial workforce.

Modern manufacturing is evolving, driven by AI, IoT, and big data, creating cleaner, safer, and more sustainable workplaces. Despite these advancements, only 14% of Gen Z workers consider industrial careers, according to a 2023 Soter Analytics report. However, 27% are drawn to companies using cutting-edge technologies like drones, AI, and virtual reality, highlighting the potential to reframe the sector’s appeal.

Critical skills for this transformation include data science, robotics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, which enable automation and AI to improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and support sustainability efforts. Gen Z's desire to make a meaningful impact aligns with industry efforts to reduce energy consumption and waste through digitalization.

To compete with tech giants and social media, industrial leaders must use modern platforms and influencers to showcase innovation and sustainability in manufacturing. As automation and digitalization reshape industrial work, the challenge is clear: reimagine the sector's narrative to attract the next generation and drive a just, inclusive energy transition.

People always say to find your dream job, but Mac Prichard actually tells you how to do it. On his podcast "Find Your Dream Job," Mac gives practical job search strategies, career advice, and insider tips to help listeners find work that truly matters to them. Through conversations with industry leaders, career coaches, and recruiters, Mac provides actionable insights to help you navigate the job market with confidence and clarity.

Start with…

We suggest starting with the episode "Interview Red Flags from an Employer's Perspective" with Frank Smith, the president of Mosaic Personnel. Frank shares how to make a strong impression during interviews with senior leadership.

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

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