Global research shows nine in 10 agree more people should
enter the trades; 3M commits to
advocacy and education to expand the talent pipeline
ST.
PAUL, Minn., Jan. 22,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M
(NYSE: MMM) is premiering a new documentary film today, "Skilled,"
to celebrate the skilled trades and break down stereotypes that may
prevent people from pursuing these vital careers. "Skilled"
features four trade workers—a plumber, fall protection specialist,
welder, and film gaffer—at various stages in their careers and
highlights the meaningful opportunities offered within the
trades.
The film is debuting at 3M's officially sanctioned 2023 Sundance
Film Festival event—hosted by actress, director, and philanthropist
Vivica A. Fox—and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+,
Google Play, Kanopy, Prime Video and The Roku Channel on
May 3.
"At 3M, we're working to increase
awareness around the variety of opportunities available in the
trades and support students who choose these exciting career
paths," said James Momon, chief
equity officer, 3M. "Skilled workers
are vital to our global communities and economies. Because access
to education and opportunity remains inequitable, we are focused on
sharing 'Skilled' in classrooms and advancing our global commitment
to create 5 million unique skilled trades and STEM learning
experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of
2025."
In addition to this enterprise-level goal at 3M, the company's Safety & Industrial
Business Group (SIBG) will leverage its people, products, and
community partnerships to advance equity in the skilled trades. To
increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career, the
business group is engaging underrepresented students and young
adults interested in vocational training for jobs. SIBG is also
actively identifying community partnerships that support skilled
trade occupations their customers are working to fill, while
connecting students and young adults to hands-on training and
certification opportunities.
"Within SIBG, we're on a mission to transform the way work gets
done," said Mike Vale, group
president, 3M Safety and Industrial
Business Group. "Our innovative products and solutions are an
important part of that, but we also need to foster a transformative
mindset in our people and the industries we serve. Supporting
skilled trades will shape the future of work, grow the talent pool
for critical jobs, and fulfill the pressing demands of the global
economy."
"Skilled" is designed to spark a conversation about the
realities of the skilled trades and address stereotypes that may
discourage people from pursuing them. It was inspired by
3M State of Science Index, a global
original research study that confirms while skilled trade workers
are widely respected, a majority believe there is a negative stigma
around the trade professions. The study found nine in 10 people
believe more individuals would pursue a trade career if perceptions
of the field improved. Additionally, 93% believe the skilled trade
workforce needs more people and 92% see consequences if their
country cannot find a solution to the shortage of workers, from
declines in overall quality of life, to negative economic impact,
neglected public infrastructure, and safety risks.
Misperceptions may arise from limited understanding of what
careers are included in this field and the benefits these
professions offer. By highlighting four tradespeople, "Skilled"
showcases the diversity and breadth of trade jobs, and how workers
can find personal fulfillment and professional success. The
talented workers highlighted in the film include:
- Paige Knowles, a 20-year-old
plumber and author of the children's book "Plumber Paige," who
hosts an all-girls construction camp during the summer.
- Cedric Smith, a welder who attended technical school thanks in
part to a 3M grant, who is driven,
committed and passionate about his profession.
- Anni Martinez, a gaffer at
Amazonas Electricas, an all-female grip and electrical team
bringing diversity to Mexico's
film industry.
- Andrea Martin, a fall protection
specialist at 3M, who was named one
of the 2022 Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational
Safety.
3M is also partnering with Teach
For America, an organization committed to educational equity and
excellence, to promote and screen "Skilled" in 2023. The film will
be shown in classrooms led by Teach For America educators—reaching
up to 30,000 students—and supported by discussion guides to
facilitate open conversation about the skilled trades and the
opportunities available.
"Skilled" was directed by documentary filmmaker Julio Palacio and produced by Christine Arena ("Let Science Speak," "Not the
Science Type") of Generous Films and 3M. To learn more about "Skilled" visit
3M.com/Skilled. "Skilled" is not an
official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, though
3M is a proud supporter of Sundance
Institute.
About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter
world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and
science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely
addresses the opportunities and challenges of our
customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to
improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter
at @3M or @3MNews.
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