Why is STEM Education Important to the Future of Manufacturing?
The time to support STEM education is now. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but goes far beyond school subjects in the face of solving challenges worldwide. STEM fields lead innovation, sustain the growth of the economy, and raise social awareness — but it wouldn’t be possible without the people who study STEM, specifically researchers who are currently pursuing graduate and doctorate degrees.
Why is STEM Important to Manufacturing?
We briefly went over that STEM education solves real-world problems and improves the economy, but why is it important to manufacturing?
Apply Critical Thinking Skills
First and foremost, STEM education instills critical thinking, a skill that enables learners to conceptualize, analyze information, problem-solve, and make conscious decisions. At its core, manufacturing is a scientific operation, and workers need to apply logic and reasoning to surpass what is expected.
The critical thinking and specialized skillsets learned throughout STEM education allow future manufacturers to think on their feet, ask questions, and solve weaknesses in the operation of a project.
Enhance Teamwork and Communication
In addition to an analytical skillset, STEM group activities promote active listening, open-mindedness, and constructive feedback. Two brains are better than one, and a central component of STEM is finding ways to achieve a solution to a problem together.
In the manufacturing industry, active engagement drives change. From reconfiguring production lines to discovering faster ways to identify and reject unacceptable products, teamwork and communication are necessary to production efficiency.
Develop Sustainable Solutions
STEM heavily focuses on providing sustainable solutions to global challenges. Human history has seen countless years of natural resource depletion, leading to numerous challenges.
Many people highly regard sustainable practices, as seen in this study released in 2020. Environmental education is a powerful tool to understand the impact of unsustainable processes, including manufacturing that accounts for almost a quarter of direct carbon emissions, and to provide sustainably sound solutions.
The National Science Foundation said it best, “In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, all students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” Golden Arrow learns and works for a better tomorrow in the sustainability and growth of the manufacturing industry. Our company is committed to combining fresh and stunning packaging concepts with equally innovative materials. Find out more about our environmentally-friendly products today!