Exciting Opportunities Await at West Michigan Manufacturers
Every other week beginning February 22, West Michigan Works! (WMW!) will be highlighting the five high demand industries in our region: agribusiness, construction, health care, information technology and manufacturing. This week, WMW! and Discover Manufacturing are featuring exciting careers in manufacturing.
What do office furniture, medical devices and automotive components have in common? They are all made here in West Michigan!
Manufacturing plays an important role in our local economy. According to The Right Place, the industry accounts for 15% of the workforce in West Michigan. With more than 2,500 companies from biopharmaceuticals to plastics and metal to food processing — West Michigan has a wealth of manufacturing career possibilities.
The 2021 Hot Jobs List features 55 job titles in this high-demand industry. The median wage for mid-career workers in these positions ranges from $15 to $58 per hour.
Manufacturing not only offers good pay and a diverse range of employment opportunities but the potential for training and career advancement. Many entry-level positions don’t require a formal education and provide plenty of growth possibilities. Some companies offer paid training or apprenticeships that allow employees to learn while they earn.
Manufacturing Facts
- Electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, luxury yachts, and jet engines are made in Michigan.
- 630,000 Michigan residents work in the industry.
- Every $1 spent in manufacturing creates $1.40 for the U.S. economy.
West Michigan Works! is highlighting the manufacturing industry April 4 – 8. Visit the industry spotlight page to register for the virtual manufacturing job fair beginning on Monday, March 29 and learn more about this high-demand industry!
