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N e w H a m p s h i r e , 2 0 1 7 • S T U F F 25 "We need manufacturers, kids, parents and schools working together to dissuade people from the old perceptions that manufacturing is unsafe or dirty." - Zenagui Brahim, New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership week, overseeing the visits of 1,850 students to 55 manufacturing companies. Getting workers trained Brahim gleans hope from the rising popularity of vocational education programs. A 2016 study con- ducted by the Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy found a better marketing strategy is desired by school administrators in order to obtain funding for Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE). The study observed the surprising length of voca- tional school waiting lists. It went on to dispel the stigma that CVTE programming is directed solely at academically and behaviorally challenged students. This simply isn't the case. In fact, the study detected a strong demand for vocational programming among high-performing students, which could become prob- lematic without the necessary growth of CVTE opportunities. Researchers concluded, "Without further support, young adults planning to enter the occupations and trades for which it was originally intended could be squeezed out by the college- and professions-bound." Changing perceptions Problems of perception may stem from the fact manufacturing hasn't always been on the upswing. Gen-Xers recall entering the job market 30 years ago when, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5 million more manufacturing jobs exist- ed than today. Brahim believes Gen-Z is the answer. "Imagine a young man or woman going to a man- ufacturing facility for the first time during manufac- turing week, and after their first visit they say, 'The pay is good, and this is cool!" he says. Brahim cites sophisticated manufacturers in the fields of robotics, defense, medical equipment and space travel as agents of change. "The younger kids need to be aware of what man- ufacturing is, in a manner they can relate to. We can build the best lab in the world, but if the next gener- ation is not excited about manufacturing, they will never put it to use," Brahim concludes. Opening the doors to the next generation With 3 .5 million jobs on the horizon, manufac- turers are clamoring to shift the Gen-Z narrative. This year, New Hampshire will participate in an entire Manufacturing Month for the first time ever. Manufacturing Month will include tours and educa- tional seminars geared toward young people. It is NAM's hope that by literally opening its doors to the next generation, it can paint a fresh picture of manufacturing for Gen-Z. 1,710 Electrical engineers in New Hampshire, the largest engineering job position, making FA C T O I D $101,470 annually on average S