It’s clear that additive manufacturing will hold a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of businesses in the coming years, but just like any industry niche, technologies relating to 3D printing face the same talent gaps as any other.
This is why two well-known organizations are setting out to find ways to encourage women — often an underrepresented group — to explore career opportunities in the sector.
According to Women in 3D Printing, a group established in 2014 to promote, support, and inspire women to consider careers in 3D printing, the sector currently employs women in just 13% of roles, however, their goal is to quadruple that — with an aim to see 50% of additive manufacturing roles filled by women, 50% women in the boardroom, and 50% women-owned companies.
And the organization has the momentum to prove it can be successful. In just seven years, it has grown from a simple blog to a community powerhouse, with over 80 chapters in 36 countries.
Women in 3D Printing’s latest effort involves a recently announced partnership with industrial organization SME, an outfit that’s been supporting the manufacturing workforce for 90 years. According to a press release, the two will collaborate with the intent to “attract and build a diverse next-gen workforce to advance the additive manufacturing industry.”
SME CEO Robert Willig called these types of collaborations “crucial” and says the group’s experience and vast resources hope to combine with Women in 3D Printing’s “passionate network and robust programs” to accelerate a shared mission “to develop technology, connection, inclusivity, and opportunities to introduce the next generation to the benefits of a career in additive manufacturing… an important step in closing the skills gap.” This will comprise jointly produced conferences, research reports, and an expansion of a mentorship program already underway with Women in 3D Printing.
SME hosted its first Rapid Modeling Clinic way back in 1987 and hopes to pair its commitment and industry resources with Women in 3D Printing’s mission to cultivate a more diverse industry.
