SAN FRANCISCO—A new podcast series called TalkShop encourages students to explore alternative career paths.

Numerous studies have revealed a peculiarity about our next-generation workforce. While they might have a positive perception of manufacturing, most would not consider careers in the industry.

KNOXVILLE, TN—Innovative manufacturers are targeting schools to let young people know there’s more to manufacturing than pulling levers on an assembly line.

A couple weeks ago, I took part in the second annual Manufacturing Day, visiting a contract manufacturer of components and a cutting tools supplier.

HEBRON, KY—An innovative program here is designed to get more high school students to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.

BUFFALO, NY—The Western New York Economic Development Council has endorsed a plan to create a workforce training center here that will help teach local workers the skills needed in today’s more-advanced factory work.

WASHINGTON—Seven of the top 10 highest-paid college degrees are in engineering, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Factory tours are a great way to get kids excited about careers in manufacturing.

NEW YORK—What’s uncool about a $100,000 factory job? These days not much. In fact, factory jobs—once considered back-breaking and low-paying—have become high-tech and high-salaried.