Fremont Empowers Future Manufacturing Workforce With 12th Annual Manufacturing Week
FREMONT, Calif. – October 6, 2023 — In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, the City of Fremont has concluded its 12th annual celebration of Manufacturing Week, a series of factory tours and presentations at Fremont-based manufacturers for high school and college students aimed at inspiring the next generation to explore careers in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Over 350 students from four schools and universities attended Manufacturing Week (October 2 to October 6), which consisted of 13 tours from 11 manufacturers across various industry sectors such as life sciences, semiconductors, cleantech, supply chain, and auto tech.
“Manufacturing is a critical industry to our City’s economy, with Fremont offering 45,000 jobs in high-tech, life science, and advanced manufacturing,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “Fremont is home to the most (advanced) manufacturing jobs in the state of California. During Manufacturing Week, we welcomed local students back to our flagship manufacturers to showcase our world-class, innovative facilities and to inspire the next generation of Fremont manufacturers.”
“It can be difficult for students and young adults to consider careers that they haven’t been exposed to,” said Ohlone College President Charles Sasaki. “Manufacturing Week helps students explore the full array of career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing and STEM — building a foundation for a great future.”
Employees from various Fremont-based manufacturers served as ambassadors during the tours by interacting directly with students to deliver a powerful message that manufacturing is a rewarding career path. They shared their educational and career journeys, providing students with a firsthand look at each company and advanced modern manufacturing techniques and machinery.
Oxford Economics and the Semiconductor Industry Association estimates that the recently passed CHIPS Act will spur nearly $115,000 jobs across America by 2030, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2022 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) showcased immense growth across all major clean energy occupations. Through Manufacturing Week, the City is taking proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming workforce needs of these industries — strengthening Fremont's role as an advanced manufacturing hub in Silicon Valley.
“When thinking of careers in manufacturing, people often visualize human assembly lines assisted by outdated machinery, but this isn’t what manufacturing looks like today,” said Jose Hernandez, SVP of Manufacturing at Bloom Energy. “Our team at Bloom Energy had the opportunity showcase how exciting and impactful a career in modern manufacturing can be, particularly one in the emerging green economy where we get to work on pressing issues like decarbonization, sustainable clean energy, and resilient power infrastructure.”
There are currently over 900 advanced manufacturing companies located in Fremont, and 35% of jobs in Fremont are in manufacturing.
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CONTACT :
Geneva Bosques
Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs
City of Fremont
510-284-4094
gbosques@fremont.gov
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