Ingersoll Rand Foundation Funds The Manufacturing Institute’s Program to Encourage Women to Pursue Manufacturing Careers
Davidson, N.C., July 14, 2014 /3BL Media/ – The Ingersoll Rand Foundation donated $135,000 to The Manufacturing Institute, a part of the National Association of Manufacturers, to further a leadership development program that addresses the industry’s need to increase the number of women leaders in U.S. manufacturing.
Women represent manufacturing’s largest pool of untapped talent. A recent survey by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that nearly 80 percent of American manufacturing companies have a moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers. While making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, women represent only a quarter of the manufacturing workforce.
“As the manufacturing industry faces a major skills gap that continues to widen each year, it only becomes more important to create programs that focus on growing the talent of women in STEM fields,” said Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute. “Encouraging women with diverse backgrounds, experiences, talents and skillsets to pursue careers in manufacturing is vital to strengthening our industry and economy.”
In 2012, The Manufacturing Institute launched the Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Initiative to honor and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership. As part of the STEP Ahead initiative, The Manufacturing Institute honors women through its annual STEP Award who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C-suite.
The Manufacturing Institute will use the Ingersoll Rand Foundation’s grant to create a more comprehensive leadership program in 2015, which includes networking, mentoring resources, webinars and online support.
“The Manufacturing Institute aligns with Ingersoll Rand’s commitment to diversity and workforce development,” said Marcia Avedon, senior vice president of human resources, communications and corporate affairs for Ingersoll Rand. “We are proud to have had the STEP program honor seven Ingersoll Rand women leaders, and we believe this grant will help increase and further develop female talent within the manufacturing industry.”
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About Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $12 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.
About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non-partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation's manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
Contact:
Misty Zelent, Ingersoll Rand
(704) 655-5324
mzelent@irco.com
