Manufacturing Is More Than You Think

Throw out that old vision of manufacturing. Today, manufacturing is more than you ever knew, especially on the Space Coast. 

MANUFACTURING IS CREATING: Manufacturing has always been about the creation of new products, however with new technology, high-tech manufacturing is evolving every day. From the production of circuit boards and laptops to new 3D printing and robotic technology, the products created in the manufacturing process know no bounds. 

MANUFACTURING IS INNOVATIVE: Every $1 in manufactured goods produces $3.60 in other sectors (Manufacturers Alliance) PLUS, manufacturing accounts for 90% of U.S. patents and is responsible for over 75% of private-sector research and development. (AllSTEMconnections.com)

MANUFACTURING IS STEM: The future of the U.S. manufacturing industry is heavily dependent upon today’s STEM education. Today’s manufacturing requires workers with advanced STEM skills with modern production chains using automation, robotics, and cutting-edge materials. The need for skilled technical workers to operate complex machinery will continue to offer unique, and well respected opportunities for those without a traditional university education.

MANUFACTURING IS IN AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE: In 2019, Florida ranked No. 2 in the nation for aviation and aerospace establishments, and the industry employed over 140,000 Floridians (FloridaMakes) while half of the top defense contractors in the nation have a presence in Brevard County, including manufacturing facilities from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris and more. 

MANUFACTURING IS A CAREER: Manufacturing provides pathways for a lifelong career. In 2019, the average annual income of U.S. manufacturing employers was $88,406 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

MANUFACTURING IS THE FUTURE: Over the next decade, 4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled in the United States (CreatorsWanted.org) while world trade in manufactured goods has multiplied 2.67 times between 2000 and 2019 — from $4.8 trillion to $12.75 trillion. (World Trade Organization)

MANUFACTURING IS FOR EVERYONE: While manufacturing was traditionally a male-dominated field, there is a growing female representation within the industry. Many organizations, such as Influential Women in Manufacturing, encourage and educate women on the rewarding careers found in this growing field. 

On the Space Coast alone, there are over 500 manufacturing companies with a diverse set of industry backgrounds. Between 2015 and 2018, nearly a quarter (23.3%) of the jobs created in Brevard County were in manufacturing, far exceeding the state and national numbers of 8.5% and 2.9%, respectively. (Source: Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages Annual Averages) 

Learn More

To start a career in manufacturing, consider the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) Course at Eastern Florida State College. Learn more at www.SeeMFG.org 

Lynda L. Weatherman is president & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, which is responsible for the attraction of new business and investment and retention of existing industry throughout the Space Coast. Under Ms. Weatherman’s leadership, the EDC has secured over $1.8 billion in capital investment from the announcement of over 50 business development projects over a 10-year period.