Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/245761
"I think my biggest heartburn is manufacturing has always had a negative connotation, that they weren't well-paying jobs, that there weren't good careers in manufacturing. We've got to promote just how manufacturing has grown over the years in both technology and in skills-based jobs." – Scott Kettler, general manager at Plexus and incoming NEWMA chairman can help address the many challenges faced by manufacturers. "The communities that do have this type of connection seem to be doing better," Paul says. A group like the alliance can help to share best practices and provide a forum for getting together. "I found in Wisconsin a lot of awareness of the importance of manufacturing, which did give me 12 | / insight on manufacturing • some reason to be optimistic," Paul says. "There is that challenge of trying to persuade the community, elected officials and young people who may be considering careers there's a future in manufacturing, because for a long time it was kind of in doubt." Changing tide S cott Kettler, general manager at Plexus and incoming NEWMA chairman, says a lack of understanding about what manufacturing entails is one of Jordan Michaels, a student in the Second Chance Partners for Education program, receives hands-on training at Plexus. The NEW Manufacturing Alliance is geared toward improving the image of manufacturing and attracting other young people to careers in the industry. January 2014 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g .c o m