Manufacturing, understandably, needs to be an extremely efficient operation. With advancements in technology, increasing emphasis on sustainability, and growing recognition of the value of diversity, women have greater opportunities to make their mark in this field traditionally dominated by men, but challenges continue, and breaking barriers still requires a combination of perseverance and strategy. There are many women who wish to lead in manufacturing, but how can women reshape the industry for the better?
Specializing in In-Demand Skills
While the manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly, we have to remember that certain technical and hands-on skills are indispensable. Women who specialize in these in-demand skills can position themselves as key contributors to their organizations and open doors to lucrative career opportunities. It’s not just about robotics and AI, but about traditional skills like welding, machining, and quality control that are critical to the production process. Some examples of in-demand skills include:
- Welding and fabrication, which remains a cornerstone, especially in construction, aerospace, and shipbuilding. Techniques such as flux core arc welding (FCAW), TIG welding, and MIG welding are all highly valued for their versatility and efficiency.
- CNC (computer numerical control) machining is essential for creating precision parts used in everything from medical devices to aerospace components. Women who learn to program and operate CNC machines can very well excel in roles that require technical expertise and attention to detail.
- Quality assurance and inspection, which are critical parts of manufacturing. Quality control techniques such as using CMM (coordinate measuring machines) or understanding ISO standards are highly sought after.
Although digital transformation is reshaping manufacturing, hands-on skills remain irreplaceable. Welding techniques like FCAW ensure manufacturers can create strong, durable joints for heavy-duty applications, while CNC machining ensures precision that may not be achievable through automation alone. By mastering practical skills, there is a very logical and linear contribution to production processes while also standing out.
Often, we encounter many people who want to enter at the top; however, the value of starting from the very bottom is a lesson we should all learn. This can mean starting through various training programs or organizations to develop specialized skills, for example, apprenticeships, and some trade schools. Even nonprofit organizations like Women Who Weld® provide training for women interested in entering skilled trades. Additionally, many companies offer internal training programs to upskill employees or help them transition into new roles.
Embracing Leadership Roles
Of course, leadership roles are often seen as the ultimate way to influence change, and women who step into these positions can shape company culture, drive innovation, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. However, achieving these roles requires major effort.
There is the approach where you can prove your worth by working from the bottom up, but there can be other strategies for leadership success, including:
Management Training
Many organizations offer leadership development programs that are tailored to manufacturing professionals. Women can enroll in these programs or look for external resources such as MBA programs, which focus on operations management.
Volunteer for High-Impact Projects
Taking on challenging projects that showcase a variety of team management skills and problem-solving abilities can be a great way to gain visibility within an organization.
Building a Support Network
Acquiring the help of mentors and sponsors, particularly those within leadership positions, can provide invaluable guidance while also ensuring you are advocating for yourself in the right ways, particularly when it comes to promotions and seeking out new opportunities.
Cultivating Leadership Skills
We are all more than aware of the importance of ensuring those skills are already in us. There are two schools of thought. One is that you should aim higher than you believe so you are conditioning yourself to the role of management, but, of course, the other method would be to bide your time and build the appropriate skills that you know you are inherently lacking.
Of course, there are many variables that come into play here. There are questions about our own stress levels, our drive and determination, as well as our level of intelligence. And there are many who are of the opinion that if you don’t have the skills, then you never will, but, of course, this is a very outdated model.
When it comes to the concept of transferable skills from one seemingly opposing industry, we must learn to see the value in what is already within us. Natural female skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability are critical for success as a leader. Women who rise to leadership positions can influence so much, from hiring practices to workplace policies and so much more. More importantly, a woman’s presence in this role can pave the way for future generations of female leaders, challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions.
Mastering STEM Skills
Manufacturing is increasingly driven by tech. Industry 4.0 has transformed how products are designed, produced, and distributed. Therefore, anybody who masters STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills will find themselves in a prime position, and understanding the key areas of focus can arm us all with the appropriate skills while also having a better understanding of the industry as a whole. It’s worth looking at the following areas:
- Robotics and automation.
- Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, which is revolutionizing prototyping and production.
- Data analytics, particularly as big data is critical for optimizing supply chains and improving efficiency, and can help us contribute to decision-making processes.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) integration, which allows machines to communicate with each other seamlessly and can help organizations transition into a smart factory.
By focusing on emerging technologies, participating in workshops, or staying updated on trends through trade publications like this manufacturing engineering magazine or IndustryWeek can make a huge difference.
Building Networks
Both networking and mentorship are essential for modern career growth, particularly in male-dominated industries. Now, there are more opportunities than ever to connect with those who can support their professional journeys. Networking provides a variety of benefits, including:
- Insight into industry trends.
- Advice on overcoming challenges.
- Emotional support, particularly during career transitions.
- Access to job opportunities.
Mentorship programs allow women to learn from experienced professionals while also building meaningful relationships within the industry, which is naturally pivotal for navigating the modern working world, not just within a specific industry.
Changing the Workplace Culture
Women making their mark in manufacturing are in a privileged position and must use their powers for great, not just good. Women must advocate for policies that create a more inclusive working environment for themselves and for future generations. There are so many different policies that may not even exist within manufacturing, including:
- Flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse lifestyles. This is particularly important as manufacturing is a male-dominated industry, and this means that those males who are working parents or do not have a partner can find it difficult to work and maintain that all-important work-life balance.
- Equal pay initiatives, which address the gender wage gap and ensure fairness across all roles.
- Family-friendly policies, like parental leave and childcare support, ensures that working mothers and everybody can balance their career demands.
- Diversity training programs, for example, educating employees about unconscious bias, can foster inclusivity.
Learning to champion these policies does not just transform the workplace culture, but it also cultivates bigger-picture thinking, creating growth and inclusion while also turning it into a far more positive cycle that, in years from now, will benefit all people within the manufacturing industry.
Increasing Visibility
We also need to remember that for us to make our mark, we need to amplify our achievements. This could be done through social media platforms like LinkedIn or through speaking engagements at industry events. Visibility is critical because it inspires others to pursue manufacturing careers, and challenges stereotypes, but it also highlights the contributions of female leaders, which, in turn, can encourage companies to prioritize diversity. By shouting louder and also championing the voice of other women, you are contributing to changing perceptions.
Often, we can feel that because we are one voice, we are not going to make a difference. But what we need to remember is that consistency trumps intensity. Keep shouting as loud as you can, and if it doesn’t work in one area, try another.
The manufacturing industry offers a multitude of opportunities for women willing to break barriers and redefine the norms. Mastering STEM skills, specialized techniques, problem-solving, advocating, and, of course, pursuing leadership means that we can absolutely make a mark in this sector. The future of manufacturing hinges on the importance of diversity.
Everybody has a crucial role to play in shaping manufacturing’s evolution. We all need to remember that the concept of breaking down barriers has a lot to do with giving something enough time to evolve. However, it’s not going to change if we don’t speak up about it now. Think truly about what you want to achieve. If you’re driven by the fight for equality and want to see the industry do more for people than for machines, now is the time for making your mark.
