Today is National Manufacturing Day, and across Southeast Michigan, we’re joining communities nationwide in recognizing the critical role manufacturing plays in our economy and workforce. Many local partners are celebrating throughout the week as part of #MFGDay25, highlighting career pathways, technology, and the future of this vital sector.
Wayne County Manufacturing Day – tour of a facility in Plymouth
Oakland County Manufacturing Day – Rosa Everett, Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) NE Dean, Brooklyn Frontiera, Program Coordinator, Oakland County, Sarah Willis and Mona Diegel, Oakland County manufacturing day coordinators, and Jennifer Llewellyn, Oakland County Michigan Works! Director.
Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Southeast Michigan’s economy. It represents the second-largest share of employment in the region, accounting for 12% of all jobs, and supports approximately 290,000 high-paying positions. The region is home to major automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, along with a wide array of suppliers and manufacturers spanning numerous specialties.
Employment by Industry Sector, 2024 – Southeast Michigan
Source: SEMCOG analysis of QCEW data from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Despite its strength, the industry faces ongoing workforce challenges. In Michigan alone, an estimated 47,000 skilled trades jobs will be available each year through 2028. Nationally, that gap is even larger, with 2.4 million manufacturing positions projected to go unfilled by 2028. Addressing this shortage is essential to maintaining a strong regional and national economy.
That’s where Manufacturing Day comes in. This week, schools, community colleges, trade programs, workforce agencies, and employers across Southeast Michigan are partnering to host facility tours, interactive experiences, and career-focused events. These efforts are designed to give students a first-hand look at the diversity of roles available in today’s manufacturing world, from advanced robotics and automation to engineering, logistics, and skilled trades.
Wayne County Manufacturing Day
Many local colleges are also showcasing academic programs and training opportunities that prepare students for in-demand careers in manufacturing. The goal is to connect young people with real pathways that lead to stable, rewarding work, helping to build a future-ready workforce right here in our region.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter encouraged students to use the experience to “learn about the field that pays well and can provide a great life” and also to follow their passions.
Dean Rosa Everitt said Manufacturing Day is her favorite experience because it helps students visualize careers available to them. It is critical for career development and a win for business partners who are opening their doors to students.”
Congresswoman Haley Stevens has spent her career promoting manufacturing and has visited hundreds of sites. For her, Manufacturing Day is “Geek out Day” and an opportunity for Michigan to show how we win on the world stage.
Manufacturing Day is more than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to engage, educate, and inspire the next generation. Thank you to all of the partners helping to strengthen the future of manufacturing in Southeast Michigan.
Paul Galbenski, K-12 Career Readiness Supervisor, Oakland schools, Marcia Gershenson, Oakland County Commissioner, and Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive
Rosa Everett, Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) NE Dean, Marcia Gershenson, Oakland County Commissioner, Joe Petrosky, Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development, Oakland Community College, and Paul Galbenski, K-12 Career Readiness Supervisor, Oakland Schools
Paul Galbenski, K-12 Career Readiness Supervisor, Oakland Schools, Rosa Everett, Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) NE Dean, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive, Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent of Oakland County Intermediate Schools, Tim Greimel, Mayor of Pontiac, Jennifer Llewellyn, Oakland County Michigan Works! Director, and Johnathon Wertheimer, Policy Director and Chief of Staff, Office of State Representative Brenda Carter
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