Manufacture Alabama on Friday announced the launch of Girls Learning About Manufacturing (GLAM) to create interest in manufacturing careers among female students who will soon enter the workforce.
The program is launched in coordination with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Alabama and member companies throughout the state. The initiative seeks to engage and offer a hands-on program that provides female students an opportunity to connect with women in the industry and to deepen their understanding of the job opportunities that exist in manufacturing.
The launch of GLAM corresponds with Manufacturing Day, a day for manufacturers to energize a future pipeline of skilled workers.
George Clark, Manufacture Alabama president, hails the program as playing a vital role in strengthening Alabama’s manufacturing industry.
“We have a responsibility to our members to do our part in delivering results-driven workforce development solutions,” said Clark. “GLAM gives us the opportunity to deliver results while strengthening our community partnerships and aligning with our Diversify initiative that’s critical to the future success of the manufacturing industry.”
Manufacture Alabama said its emphasis on GLAM is part of a solution for member companies seeking to fill high-skilled, high-tech and high-paying jobs over the next 10 years.
According to the announcement, women comprise of 47% of the total labor force, but only 26% of the manufacturing workforce. The organization says the overarching goal of GLAM is to make a direct and positive impact on that statistic.
GLAM will collaborate with Bishop State Community College and industry partner Canfor this month for the program’s first event, which will be held virtually.
Dr. Lawrence Brandyburg, Bishop State Community College interim president, praised the collaboration as he believes it will prove beneficial in promoting manufacturing careers among women.
“We are truly excited about this partnership with Manufacture Alabama. GLAM will provide an opportunity for us to encourage females of our community to pursue manufacturing careers,” said Brandyburg. “Building confident, female leaders in career and life success will produce systemic change and diversify our workforce, therefore adding value to our community.”
Canfor Southern Pine president Tony Sheffield expressed his excitement for his company’s support of Bishop State Community College in the effort.
“GLAM is an important initiative that will not only diversify future generations of our industry and workforce, but will also provide girls with education, experience and representation to pursue a career in manufacturing,” said Sheffield. “Canfor is thrilled to support Bishop State Community College in hosting this unique program and we hope it inspires young women in our communities to learn more about the careers and opportunities in our thriving forest industry.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
