The manufacturing sector is a key economic driver in Indiana. Ninety-five percent of Indiana’s exports are manufactured goods. Total employment in manufacturing in Central Indiana is 106,877. And $69,320 is the average annual compensation of the manufacturing workforce in Indiana.

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The issue: in a 2009 survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers and accounting firm Deloitte & Touche found that 32% of surveyed manufacturers couldn’t find enough qualified workers. And more than 1,000 manufacturing jobs are anticipated to become available each year for the next 10 years.

This is great news for Indiana’s workforce! The important step is that we communicate this to students and parents so they understand where the job demand is and understand what the pathways are. The Indiana Chamber Foundation and Ready Indiana are taking a step to help bridge the knowledge gap. The Chamber Foundation has released a study examining the current landscape of school counseling. Fleck Education conducted the study. This will guide The Chamber’s upcoming efforts to connect K-12 education and workforce needs.

See this infographic with Indiana manufacturing facts.