Unlock Nebraska’s Manufacturing Boom: High-Paying Jobs and Skilled Trades Fuel Economic Surge
FREMONT, Nebraska – The Cornhusker State is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance, with job numbers reaching a 20-year high and salaries soaring. This Nebraska manufacturing job growth is not just transforming the state’s economy but also creating exciting opportunities for its workforce, particularly young people entering the job market.
Nebraska’s Manufacturing Surge: A Closer Look
On Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen, along with state and local officials, highlighted the impressive growth of the manufacturing sector in Nebraska. The event, held at Structural Component Systems (SCS) in Fremont, showcased the industry’s vital role in the state’s economic development.
- Manufacturing contributes $21.6 billion to Nebraska’s annual GDP
- 57% increase in contribution over the past five years
- Second only to agriculture in economic impact
K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, emphasized the extraordinary performance of the manufacturing sector. “Pretty extraordinary what manufacturing is doing in the state of Nebraska,” Belitz stated, highlighting how young people’s career choices are driving this growth.
High-Paying Manufacturing Careers: A Game-Changer
One of the most compelling aspects of this Nebraska economic surge manufacturing is the attractive salaries offered in the sector. Governor Pillen revealed that the average annual salary for Nebraska manufacturing jobs last year was an impressive $81,000.
“Manufacturing does create great careers – way above the state average in terms of the salary,” Belitz added, underscoring the financial benefits of pursuing a career in this thriving industry.
With approximately 109,000 workers currently employed in the manufacturing sector, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the opportunities for high-paying jobs are abundant.
Career Technical Education: Building the Future Workforce
Career Technical Education in Nebraska is playing a pivotal role in fueling the manufacturing boom. The event at SCS highlighted a dozen local high school students who are dual-enrolled in trades-focused college courses, representing the growing talent pipelines that are essential to the industry’s continued growth.
These students, from Fremont High School, are learning valuable skills such as construction, welding, and other trades at their school’s newly opened Career Technical Education Center. This initiative is a prime example of skilled trades workforce development in action.
Structural Component Systems: A Success Story
SCS, one of Fremont’s largest employers, exemplifies the growth and potential of the manufacturing sector in Nebraska. Some key points about SCS include:
- 165% workforce growth in the past eight years
- Currently employs about 570 people
- One of the largest single-site wood component manufacturing facilities in the country
- Designs, manufactures, and delivers roof and floor trusses, wall panels, and engineered wood products
Diane Mallette, director of human resources at SCS, emphasized the importance of the new talent pipeline from the Career Technical Education Center at Fremont High School. The company actively engages with students through visits and career fairs, encouraging them to explore manufacturing career options.
Building the Manufacturing Talent Pipeline in Nebraska
The manufacturing talent pipeline Nebraska is being strengthened through innovative educational programs and partnerships. Randy Schmailzl, president of Metropolitan Community College, highlighted the success of their dual enrollment program:
- Over 8,500 high school students in a four-county region took an MCC class last school year
- Many explored career opportunities in skilled construction trades and manufacturing fields
- Students receive free tuition to pursue college credits
At Fremont High School alone, about 700 out of 1,700 students participated in courses at the career center that count as both high school and college credits. This high school dual enrollment initiative is crucial for developing the next generation of skilled workers.
Nebraska Manufacturing Month: Celebrating Industry Growth
The event at SCS was part of a series of stops made by Governor Pillen and Belitz to highlight the impact of the manufacturing sector on Nebraska’s economy. As part of these Nebraska Manufacturing Month initiatives, October has been proclaimed as Manufacturing Month in the state.
Other visits included:
- Mighty Giant farm equipment company in Beemer
- Cargill in Schuyler
These events underscore the state’s commitment to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry.
Factors Driving Manufacturing Growth in Nebraska
Several key factors are contributing to the boom in Nebraska manufacturing jobs:
- Renewed interest among younger people: Mike Johnson, executive vice president of manufacturing for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that young people are recognizing opportunities to “upskill” in an industry investing in automation and high-tech solutions.
- Synergy with agriculture: Many manufacturers, such as producers of farm equipment, benefit from Nebraska’s strong agricultural sector.
- Post-pandemic production shift: There’s a growing push to produce supplies and materials within the U.S., driven by supply chain challenges experienced during the pandemic.
The Future of Manufacturing in Nebraska
As Nebraska continues to invest in Career Technical Education and skilled trades workforce development, the future of manufacturing in the state looks bright. The collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies is creating a robust ecosystem that supports industry growth and provides valuable opportunities for workers.
With initiatives like the Career Technical Education Center at Fremont High School offering courses in robotics, automotive, health occupations, construction tech, business, and entrepreneurship, Nebraska is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.
As we celebrate Nebraska Manufacturing Month, it’s clear that the state’s commitment to fostering high-paying manufacturing careers and building a skilled workforce is paying off. The economic surge driven by manufacturing is not just creating jobs but is shaping Nebraska’s future as a leader in American industry.
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