4 in 10 parents would encourage their child to pursue a career in manufacturing

• Only 39% of parents are aware of career opportunities in the manufacturing sector
• Among those who are aware of opportunities, the majority associate manufacturing with positive career progression
• National Manufacturing Day Ireland will take place on Friday, 3 October 2025, with companies nationwide opening their doors to students, parents, educators, and jobseekers to showcase opportunities in the sector and address the awareness gap

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has announced the launch of its first-ever Manufacturing Day Ireland (MDI), taking place across the country on Friday, 3 October 2025.

New research conducted with more than 500 parents, the majority of whom have children in senior cycle, reveals that just 44% would encourage their child to pursue a career in manufacturing. This figure rises significantly to 84% among parents who work in or have close links to the sector. Overall, only 39% of parents report being aware of opportunities in manufacturing – closely aligned with the 44% who would encourage a career in it.

Perceptions of manufacturing remain mixed. While some stereotypes persist, such as associating the sector primarily with “factory line work,” many parents also linked manufacturing with “skilled trades/technical careers,” “good/stable job opportunities,” and “modern/high-tech facilities and innovation.”

The industries most frequently associated with manufacturing were:

• Electronics (45%)
• Food (42%)
• Drinks (39%)
• Clothing/textiles (39%)
• Automotive (34%)

Despite the prominence of Ireland’s pharmaceutical and medtech industries, only 33% and 28% of parents respectively, associated them with manufacturing.

Sharon Higgins, Executive Director of Membership and Sectors at Ibec, said:

“With many senior cycle students attending Higher Options this week, it is fantastic to see the level of interest in courses connected to roles in manufacturing. The sector is eager to continue playing its part in nurturing that interest.

Manufacturing Day Ireland is a unique opportunity to open minds as well as doors. From cutting-edge technology and sustainability to world-class products and career pathways, it shines a spotlight on the people and processes driving one of Ireland’s most innovative sectors.

Manufacturing lies at the heart of Ireland’s economy – spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and drink, precision engineering, advanced materials, and more. Yet a gap remains between perception and reality when it comes to the careers it offers. While those within the sector often encourage their children to pursue it, many others are unaware of the breadth of opportunities available. By raising awareness of this diverse career landscape, we can inspire more school and college leavers to consider it.

By opening up biotech labs, high-tech production lines, and other facilities to students, parents, and communities, Manufacturing Day Ireland aims to spark curiosity, challenge outdated perceptions, and inspire a new generation to discover the sector’s incredible potential.”

Mark Barrett, Group CEO APC & VLE Therapeutics, added:

“We’re delighted to be participating in National Manufacturing Day, an important initiative that highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Ireland’s economy.

At VLE Therapeutics, we see first-hand the breadth of rewarding, high-value roles available not just in large multinational companies, but also within innovative indigenous businesses like ours.

It’s essential that we continue to invest in and inspire the next generation of talent. Showcasing the opportunities available across manufacturing is key to future-proofing our talent pipeline and maintaining Ireland’s leadership in life sciences – not just for children whose parents already work in the sector, but also for those who might otherwise be unaware of the possibilities.”