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

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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.

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Acknowledgements

This research was conducted with support from the Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center and the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network regional cultivation fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technology Leadership & Innovation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Greg J. Strimel, Liesl Krause & Lisa Bosman

  2. Mechanical Engineering Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Sydney Serban

  3. Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Sascha Harrell

Authors
  1. Greg J. Strimel
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  2. Liesl Krause
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  3. Lisa Bosman
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  4. Sydney Serban
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  5. Sascha Harrell
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Correspondence to Greg J. Strimel.

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Appendix

Appendix

Survey Questions

Table 6 Grades K – 2 pre- and post-survey questions
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Table 7 Grades 3–8 pre- and post-survey questions
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Strimel, G.J., Krause, L., Bosman, L. et al. The Next Generation for Manufacturing Competitiveness?: Investigating the Influence of Industry-Driven Outreach on Children Career Perceptions. Journal for STEM Educ Res 3, 232–258 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-020-00028-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-020-00028-w

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