Your Playbook for Engaging Manufacturing’s Next Generation of Creators
Drew "The MFG" Crowe, Founder of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance
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In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, we’re talking to you—educators and employers—about how to engage and inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent. Manufacturing doesn’t just need workers; it needs what Drew Crowe calls “blue collar ballers”—young people who see the industry as more than a job, but a mission worth pursuing.
Drew "The MFG" Crowe is making waves in the manufacturing world. With a fresh, modern perspective, he’s bringing a whole new energy to the industry, inspiring young people to see manufacturing as the future. As someone with deep experience both in the classroom and on the shop floor, Drew knows how to connect with Gen Z through the platforms and language they understand. In this episode, he shares how you can meet young talent where they are, communicate the value of a manufacturing career, and keep them motivated for the long term.
Drew also shares why retention starts with culture. You’ll learn how to create an environment that not only attracts talent but keeps them around—by giving them real opportunities for growth and a sense of belonging in your organization.
This episode is packed with real-world insights for educators and employers who want to lead the next generation of manufacturing talent.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why your company culture might be the reason you can’t find great workers, and how “hell week” could be driving them away.
- Is manufacturing's talent shortage because of an image problem, or a communication problem?
- How social media-savvy "screenagers" are learning advanced manufacturing faster than ever—and what you can do to meet them there.
- Why today’s youth care more about purpose than paychecks—and how a simple change in approach can turn them into lifelong employees.
Quotable Moments:
"Especially with this younger generation, they don’t want jobs. They want a mission. They want to be a part of something."
"We don’t have the same attraction problem anymore. We’ve got a retention problem... You can get people in the door, but to keep them in the door, you’ve got to do something for them."
"When you tell a person, ‘You’re not just making a part, this is actually what it goes into,’ then they feel like they have a bigger role to play, and they’ve got a mission."
"These kids don’t know about our industry right now as they’re learning. Show them the complete pathway. ‘Hey, this is a robot. You can program these. You can build these. These are applications you can use.’ Get their mind going and give them a clear picture of how far they could go."
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
- The key to attracting Gen Z is offering a mission, not just a job.
Drew emphasizes that today’s youth are looking for more than a paycheck—they want purpose and a role in something bigger. By framing manufacturing as a mission and showing young people how they can make a difference, employers can create a more engaged and motivated workforce. - Retention, not attraction, is the real challenge in manufacturing today.
While companies can bring in new talent, keeping them is another story. Drew explains that to retain workers, companies need to build a culture that invests in people’s growth, ensuring they have the tools and motivation to stay in the industry. - Communication is crucial in showing the value of manufacturing careers.
Manufacturing doesn’t just have an image problem—it has a communication problem. Employers and educators need to show students not only what manufacturing is, but why it matters and how they can play a part in its future.
Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about Drew and The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, visit: drewcrowemfg.com
- The Manufacturing Renaissance Starter Kit: Revolutionize Your Workforce (free ebook for manufacturers)
-
The MFG Hustle: How To Become A Blue Collar Baller...Or Bosslady! (free ebook for job seekers and stuents)
Connect with Drew online:
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