Today's manufacturing jobs are innovative, creative, high-tech and cutting edge. Yet many manufacturers report a "moderate to serious" shortage of qualified job applicants. Manufacturing's outdated image, filled with stereotypes of assembly-line jobs and the perception that manufacturing is being off-shored, have combined to keep young people especially from pursuing careers in this sector. To combat these misconceptions, not only among youth but also among those who influence their career decisions, a comprehensive, region-wide effort has been initiated to inspire and recruit young people into careers in manufacturing.

This initiative, entitled Dream It. Do It., is based on an existing model developed by the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to address this issue of national concern. NAM is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Dream It. Do It. is currently in place or in development in over 18 other regions around the country and seeks to turn the spotlight on manufacturing careers and eliminate antiquated perceptions about manufacturing. Dream It Do It opens the eyes of students, parents, educators and career seekers to consider the new age of manufacturing.