Sonoma County’s manufacturing industry generates revenue, jobs, and career pathways. In terms of jobs by industry, Sonoma County’s manufacturing industry ranks fourth compared to other industries, and there are 23% more manufacturing jobs in Sonoma County than the national average for an area of this size. The Sonoma County Economic Development Board produced an industry report based on 2021 Quarter 2 data that aims to provide insight on employment trends, job postings, and sought after skills in the manufacturing industry.
MFG Economic Highlights & Workforce Report
23,040 employees in the manufacturing industry in 2020.
Bringing Manufacturing to Sonoma County High Schools
The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB), Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation, and Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) invite classrooms to participate in the fifth annual Sonoma County MFG event. Throughout the month of October, we will be hosting a challenge for Sonoma County high schools, where students will compete against other participating schools for the chance to receive a grant to fund new materials or equipment for their classroom. Students will document their progress in their pursuit to solve and complete this year’s challenge, created by a local manufacturing business, Keysight Technologies.
As a student, it can be difficult deciding what career path to pursue. Oftentimes, students are only exposed to a handful of traditional careers that may or may not interest them. Each classroom will also have the opportunity to host a mentor from the manufacturing industry to virtually visit their classroom for a Q & A session where they can offer challenge feedback, guidance, or talk more generally about their career in manufacturing. Our goal is to expose students to the exciting, innovative, high-paying, careers available in manufacturing. No matter a student’s interests, education goals, or skill-set there is most likely a career path for them in manufacturing!
