Episode #22: Why Young People Aren’t Choosing Manufacturing — And How to Change That

Young people aren’t avoiding manufacturing because they hate it.Most of them simply don’t know it exists as a career path.In this episode of the Machine Shop Growth Podcast, Kirk Phelps sits down with Mike Franz of Shop Floor Coffee to explore why fewer young people are entering the manufacturing industry — and what shop owners can do to change that.They discuss the real reasons behind the talent gap and how awareness, community engagement, and leadership inside the shop all play a role in attracting the next generation of workers.You’ll learn:• Why manufacturing still struggles with outdated perceptions• How robotics competitions and STEM programs are feeding the future workforce• Why parents and teachers influence career decisions more than most people realize• How shop culture impacts whether young employees stay or leave• Why machine shops need to market to future workers — not just customersManufacturing offers incredible career opportunities.But if the next generation doesn’t see it, they’ll never choose it.Subscribe to our weekly format:Sales & Marketing (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)Operations & Engineering (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)Bonus joint episodes on 5th TuesdaysIf this episode helps, please leave a review — it helps more shop owners discover the show.