A new study shows that many manufacturers are missing a critical talent pool in the manufacturing workforce—women—and that hiring more of them could aid in closing the skills gap. The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) released the study, “Women in Manufacturing: Stepping up to make an impact that matters.” The joint study is the result of more than 600 survey responses from women professionals in the manufacturing industry, along with nearly 20 manufacturing executive interviews.

Study insights point to how companies can effectively recruit, retain and advance talented women in manufacturing, and illustrate ways that women in manufacturing are making an impact in the industry through programs like STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead. The  STEP Ahead program inspires next-generation female leaders to pursue a career in manufacturing and showcases the opportunities the manufacturing industry can offer.