Conexus Indiana today announced the launch of Make IN Move, a statewide initiative to educate and inspire the next generation of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics talent. The effort aims to raise awareness of the hundreds of thousands of meaningful, high-tech and well-paying careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics and connect early-in-career talent to opportunities in these industries of the future.
Through an interactive website, digital advertising and strategic partnerships with top employers and workforce development leaders across the state, Make IN Move will help Indiana’s emerging workforce find a career that’s “them” in advanced manufacturing and logistics. The initiative will also emphasize advanced manufacturing and logistics’ strong pay – the average salary for careers in the industries range from $65,000-$75,000 – in addition to competitive benefits, ongoing education and training and advancement opportunities.
Indiana makes and moves things better than any state in the nation. Five of the seven Fortune 500 companies in Indiana work in the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries, and the state ranks first in the U.S. for future manufacturing growth. But the adoption of new technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), coupled with a growing wave of retirements, has created a significant talent challenge for the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors. In the next five years, 74% of firms will adopt automation technologies that will create hundreds of thousands of high-tech, well-paying jobs. Make IN Move aims to prepare young Hoosier talent for these careers of the future – one in 10 of which do not exist yet.
MakeINMove.com – the home base for the campaign – invites young adults to learn more about Indiana’s global leadership in advanced manufacturing and logistics, hear from their peers who are making and moving things that are changing the world and take a quiz to discover if they’re a “maker” (advanced manufacturing) or “mover” (logistics). Make IN Move also offers step-by-step guides for talent actively seeking a career in the industries and a toolkit for educators, counselors and parents to support young adults on their career journey.
“Conexus is incredibly proud of the Make IN Move initiative, and its launch could not come at a better time. Our advanced manufacturing and logistics partners are clamoring for skilled, motivated and diverse talent, and our young people are seeking opportunities that allow them to make a difference and make a good living. Make IN Move aspires to show our next generation of talent that advanced manufacturing and logistics careers are not only valued and stable, but these industries are leading the way when it comes to tech innovation and adoption that is changing our world as we know it,” said J. Mark Howell, president and CEO, Conexus Indiana.
The Make IN Move initiative also aims to challenge common misperceptions about advanced manufacturing and logistics by featuring testimonials from early-career talent and data that highlight the immense opportunity in the industries.
“Technology is creating the next Industrial Revolution, and Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries are leading the way. In the coming years, careers in advanced manufacturing and logistics will be some of the most sought after in Indiana. We just need to spotlight the exciting opportunities ahead,” said Brad Rhorer, chief talent programs officer, Conexus Indiana.
Make IN Move is just one response to the looming talent shortage facing Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries. A rapidly retiring workforce, combined with the emergence of new technologies, has presented new, complex challenges that employers must overcome if Indiana is to maintain its global dominance in these fields.
Indiana has a long and proud history of making and moving, and the next generation of our workforce has an unprecedented opportunity to build a fulfilling career while enhancing our state’s economic competitiveness,” said Luke Bosso, chief of staff, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Conexus Indiana board member. “The IEDC is grateful for Conexus’ leadership on this issue and supports its message to emerging talent that if you’re looking for a meaningful, innovative and dynamic career, the advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors are full of opportunity and potential.”
In addition to promoting career opportunities that are immediately available with Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics employers, Make IN Move will also inform talent of their options for career development post high school that lead to fulfilling careers in the industries – including industry credentials, two-year degrees, four-year degrees and more.
“As a professional with a long history in advanced manufacturing, I’m thrilled the Make IN Move initiative exists to help the next generation discover a fulfilling career in the field,” said Andrew Ball, co-CEO at Henriott Group and chairman of the Conexus Indiana Advanced Manufacturing Council. “As technology continues to transform our workplaces and economy, the demand for skilled talent has never been greater, and I’m encouraged by this initiative’s focus on the various pathways to in-demand careers – most of which require some form of education beyond high school.”
To learn more about Make IN Move, visit MakeINMove.com and follow @makeINmove on Instagram.