Common misconceptions within the manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry faces a lot of misconceptions, with people still assuming that it’s dirty, low-skilled and only for men; these are all untrue. With manufacturing contributing a huge chunk to the UK economy with an annual output of £183 million in 2022, it’s one of the most significant industries with an array of skills, expertise and a wide variety of job opportunities within.
Manufacturing isn’t safe
Due to massive advancements in technology, manufacturing is a lot safer than you believe. Technology has allowed processes to become safer by using AI and robots; thanks to technology, unsafe equipment can run independently with no human intervention needed, taking away the risk factors. Companies within this industry prioritise health and safety over anything else, so thinking it’s unsafe is common but a big misconception.
Automation and technology are replacing humans
Automation and technological advancement have, without a doubt, made processes more manageable and safer; however, in no way has it replaced humans. On the contrary, automation can create and require a need for more skills and expertise. Automating tasks may well increase efficiency and productivity; however, robots allow for more human-skilled jobs to be completed and prioritised in areas such as design and innovation, as well as critical thinking.
Manufacturing is only for men
It would be wrong to say that the manufacturing industry isn’t heavily male-dominated; however, that is changing. More women (37% as of 2022) are now joining this industry through hands-on production to more professional positions like working within the human resources department and management positions, which are all very much needed and heavily relied on.
Manufacturing is a poor career choice
Today’s manufacturing industry looks a lot different than it did generations ago. How it was viewed years ago, with it being dangerous, dirty, male-dominated, and more are still carried forward into today’s world, when actually a lot has changed. Workers are needed at all levels of the industry, accounting, programmers, software engineers, marketing, sales and a whole lot more. So, if you are interested in this industry but don’t want to get your hands dirty physically, don’t just assume you can’t enter it; many other jobs can be fulfilled.
Manufacturing is a low-skilled job
This is one of the most common misconceptions within this industry. Becoming successful in manufacturing takes time, education and plenty of hands-on training. There are specific skills that employers look for, such as:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
Those skills take experience to gain, and not everyone can offer them, so the idea of manufacturing being a low-skilled job is a total myth.
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