Blue collar jobs are safer, more demanding and better paid than they were a generation ago.

Manufacturing jobs averaged $54,000.00 in total compensation in the year 2002, which was 20% higher than the average of ALL American workers.

Manufacturing output soared 47% during the past decade and productivity grew two to three times as fast as the overall economy from 1973 –2000.

Nationwide about 42% of manufacturers say they face a serious shortage of highly skilled machinists and craft workers.

One study shows that 10 million new skilled workers will be needed by 2020 as many retire and few enter the field.

In fear of labor shortage, manufacturers are teaming up with universities to develop programs to attract talent, the recruiting starts as early as fifth graders who may have demonstrated facility in building with Legos. These children are being wooed to attend a Cleaveland high School that has special manufacturing programs.