Despite the effects that recent disruptions have had on global economies, the manufacturing sector continues to exhibit strong growth with its production output growing to $41.9 trillion in 2021, up from $39.3 trillion in 2020[i].
But in order to sustain this continued growth, the global manufacturing sector has a challenge to overcome: the largest skills gap the industry has ever seen. In the United States alone, there are over 900,000 open jobs in manufacturing. By the end of the decade, an estimated 4 million jobs need to be filled. Moreover, the situation is similar worldwide.
“Closing that gap requires us to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of manufacturing workers,” according to Angela Grigonis Regan, Director of Business Development at Dassault Systèmes.
Outside of her role at Dassault Systèmes, Angela is involved in an international foundation called Women in Manufacturing (WiM), as the chairperson of its Massachusetts chapter. WiM’s aims are twofold: to empower women workers and strengthen the global manufacturing sector at the same time.
She believes that one place to start in working to close that gap is to raise awareness among a new generation of women in the workforce toward opportunities for fulfilling careers in the manufacturing sector.
Women currently make up only 29% of the manufacturing workplace and constitute one of the largest pools of untapped talent for the US manufacturing industry. This is despite the fact that many women are highly qualified and have already earned more than half of all professional and managerial positions in many other industries in the US.
Angela’s involvement in WiM creates a myriad of opportunities to support, promote and inspire women in the manufacturing industry, starting with her own colleagues in Dassault Systèmes. The creation of a collaborative community at Dassault Systèmes that is supportive of women in manufacturing could provide the impetus to help many women in the industry grow professionally, creating a positive impact on the industry.
“I have been getting involved in so many activities that encourage women in manufacturing careers. Now that we are finally able to begin meeting on site, I have been organizing several plant tours here in Massachusetts,” said Angela, who adds that there are many other exciting events to look forward to, involving several well-known corporations.
Outside of her role at Dassault Systèmes, Angela is involved in an international foundation called Women in Manufacturing (WiM), as the chairperson of its Massachusetts chapter. WiM’s aims are twofold: to empower women workers and strengthen the global manufacturing sector at the same time.
“We also do workshops handling numerous topics from Lean manufacturing to leadership. It is very exciting to be so involved and promote how relevant manufacturing careers are today.”
Learn about the rest of Angela’s inspiring story by tuning in to our latest podcast series, Let’s Get Technical:Meet the Outstanding Women in Manufacturing and Technology. This exciting new series focuses on extraordinary women in manufacturing and technology—featuring their aspirations and accomplishments to inspire women everywhere. DELMIA is honored to work with a variety of women in these fields and hopes to showcase their achievements and inspire others through this series.
Click here to listen to the podcast now.
Learn more about Women in Manufacturing today!
