JAMESTOWN – Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant is hosting its second annual Women in Manufacturing Night on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is geared toward young women and parents of young women who have an interest or may be considering a career in manufacturing. Attendees will hear perspectives of women who currently work in manufacturing.

On the Oct. 20 edition of Community Matters, WRFA public affairs director Jason Sample talked with Justin Hanft (Dream It, Do It WNY), Janet Forbes (AAUW), and Lori Jafarjian (Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant) about the  event.

During the interview, Hanft explained that while women represent nearly half (47%) of the total U.S. labor force, they comprise less than a third (27%) of the manufacturing workforce. While women make 79 cents to the dollar as compared to male wages in all fields; that gap is reduced to 92 cents to the dollar in STEM disciplines. With women representing less than a third of the manufacturing workforce, it is clear that manufacturers are missing out on a critical talent pool, which could aid remarkably in closing both the skills and pay gaps.

The Oct. 27 event will include a tour of the Cummins plant. The goals are to engage future generations of women, educate them about manufacturing, outline opportunities, introduce them to role models in the field, and provide a forum to network and talk with local women. The format encourages girls and young women to pursue their dreams and help develop the self-confidence to seek a variety of career options including advanced manufacturing.

Dream It Do It Western New York is helping to coordinate this event.  As a strong advocate for women working in manufacturing careers, DIDIWNY works to educate young people about career paths in manufacturing, the sciences, technology, engineering, and math.  The mission of DIDIWNY is to increase the skilled workforce pipeline in manufacturing careers.

The Women in Manufacturing panel will be moderated by Cindy Aronson, owner of Cindy Aronson Workplace Training, and will include women who work in manufacturing in human resources, industrial engineering, electrical, and materials. 

This event is free to attend, but advanced registration is appreciated. Please note, that no open toed shoes or heels higher than 1-inch will be allowed, since participants will be touring the plant.  For more information, please contact DIDI Coordinator Justin Hanft at (716) 969-6014.

To register, look for the Women in Manufacturing Night event listing on the Dream It, Do It WNY Facebook Page.