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Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders – A Conversation with Mike Nager
In this final episode of 2024, The IT/OT Insider Podcast features Mike Nager, a champion for smart manufacturing and technical education. With a career rooted in electrical engineering and decades of experience automating production processes, Mike’s mission is clear—close the manufacturing awareness gap and inspire the next generation.
Unveiling the Hidden World of Manufacturing
Despite being the backbone of global economies, manufacturing often operates behind closed doors in industrial parks, unseen and misunderstood by the public. Mike, a Business Development Executive at Festo Didactic, works to change that narrative.
With experience spanning industries from automotive to pharmaceuticals, Mike has witnessed the diversity and dedication that define manufacturing environments. From dusty tire factories to pristine semiconductor cleanrooms, his goal is to offer the public a glimpse into this fascinating world.
“It’s a world most people never get to see, and part of my mission is to provide a window into that world,” Mike says.
Bridging the Manufacturing Awareness Gap
A key theme in this episode is the “awareness gap” that keeps young people from pursuing manufacturing careers. Outdated perceptions of the industry as dirty or dangerous persist, yet modern manufacturing offers lucrative, stable jobs in fields like automation, robotics, and data analytics.
Mike highlights the economic potential of technical education, noting:
“Students with just a year or two of training can jump from minimum wage to earning $40 or $50 an hour with overtime. It’s an enormous opportunity for those who are willing to learn.”
This reality underscores the importance of pathways outside traditional four-year degrees—a message Mike passionately shares with students, educators, and parents alike.
The Role of Education in Manufacturing’s Future
At Festo Didactic, Mike collaborates with educators to develop hands-on training programs inspired by the German apprenticeship model. This approach emphasizes learning by doing, preparing students for real-world factory environments.
However, Mike acknowledges the unique challenges of the U.S. education system. Unlike Germany, where apprenticeships are deeply ingrained, the U.S. education system leans heavily on public institutions to cultivate technical skills. This discrepancy makes accessible, engaging educational resources even more critical.
Books to Spark Curiosity in Manufacturing
Mike’s passion for education extends beyond his professional role. He’s also an author, using creative approaches to inspire interest in manufacturing from a young age. His books include:
- “All About Smart Manufacturing” – A children’s book introducing the basics of smart manufacturing through fun illustrations.
- “Smart Student’s Guide” – Aimed at high schoolers, this guide outlines career paths in manufacturing.
“High school students had already chosen their paths,” Mike explains. “I realized I needed to reach younger kids to plant the seed of curiosity early on.”
Trends Shaping Manufacturing Careers
Mike reflects on the larger forces shaping manufacturing’s future:
- Reshoring and National Security: The push for local production is driving demand for skilled talent.
- Automation’s Evolving Role: While automation transforms processes, people remain essential to manufacturing’s success.
- Human-Centered Automation: The concept of ‘lights-out factories’ may be a long-standing vision, but reality proves that skilled workers are irreplaceable.
“Automation enhances what we do, but manufacturing is still powered by human ingenuity and adaptability,” Mike emphasizes.
Building Communities Through Manufacturing
Mike’s passion for manufacturing extends beyond profits and productivity. He sees the industry as a pillar of community growth and economic stability.
“Manufacturing creates wealth and builds communities. It’s not just about making products—it’s about creating opportunities and strengthening local economies.”
Get Inspired and Get Involved
Whether you’re an educator, student, or simply curious about the future of manufacturing, Mike’s insights highlight the importance of inspiring the next generation.
Connect with Mike Nager on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenager/
Explore his books at Industrial Insights LLC – https://www.industrialinsightsllc.com/#books
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