As autumn leaves fall in St. Paul, a new kind of transformation is set to spark within the city's industrial heart.
Youth dive into the world of trains and technology at Creators Wanted event.
Union Pacific Railroad, the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers are bringing the Creators Wanted tour to the Twin Cities Sept. 19-21. The initiative aims to inspire a new generation of creators by showcasing the variety of careers available in modern manufacturing.
This immersive, hands-on experience is designed to capture the imagination of today’s youth and bring manufacturing concepts to life via interactive activities. Participants can explore a mobile escape room-style workstation, where they engage in a series of challenges that emulate real manufacturing processes. Live question-and-answer sessions also provide a great opportunity to hear directly from seasoned industry experts.
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“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of progress,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president of Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific. “Just as tracks connect cities, manufacturing is the backbone of the rail industry, forging paths to endless possibilities.”
The Manufacturing Institute is a national key partner of Union Pacific, and the Twin Cities Creators Wanted tour is an extension of the railroad’s Careers on Track initiative. This years’ long commitment aims to inspire more women and youth to pursue modern industrial careers.
Future creators discover vital role of manufacturing during hands-on workshops.
The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the United States economy, accounting for nearly 12 percent of the nation's GDP, and employing over 12.3 million workers, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Despite this, the industry is facing a significant skills gap. According to a study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, the manufacturing industry will need to fill 4 million jobs by 2030, but as many as 2.1 million of those jobs could be left unfilled if the industry does not make significant changes to how it approaches hiring and retention, highlighting the urgent need for action.
“Our future depends on embracing, equipping and empowering today’s creators,” said Carolyn Lee, president and executive director of the Manufacturing Institute. “We’re not just building a workforce, we’re identifying the innovators, trailblazers and leaders who will shape the industries of tomorrow.”
Minneapolis–St. Paul is known for its diverse economy, with several key industries including education, healthcare, professional services, and, most notably, manufacturing.
Union Pacific's decision to host the Creators Wanted tour stop in this area aims to connect the region's young talent with the numerous opportunities that a career in manufacturing presents, including those in the rail industry.
The railroad co-sponsored a similar stop with Dow Chemical in Plaquemine, Louisiana, this past April and looks to continue supporting local communities, empowering individuals with career opportunities, and driving the economy forward.
The NAM and MI will continue the Creators Wanted Tour. For more information on future tour stops, please visit CreatorsWanted.org.
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