#United States #Alexandria #ILMA #lubricant manufacturing #career training

Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association's New Campaign

The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) has announced a trailblazing initiative called Move the World Forward, aimed at sparking interest among students and young adults in the lubricant manufacturing sector. This digital campaign is focused on educating the current and upcoming workforce about the diverse career opportunities available in this often-overlooked industry.

Understanding the Importance of Lubricants

Lubricant products play a pivotal role in various sectors, from keeping airplanes airborne to ensuring vehicles are operational and enabling industrial machines to function. Simply put, the world relies on lubricants to operate smoothly and effectively. With a history spanning over 150 years, lubricant manufacturing has been integral to advancements in technology, starting from steam engines during the Industrial Revolution to modern-day innovations that help in maximizing fuel efficiency and supporting aerospace missions.

Holly Alfano, the CEO of ILMA, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the lubricant manufacturing industry, stating, "Despite the critical role lubricants play in daily operations, many early-career individuals remain unaware of the vast opportunities available to make a meaningful impact in this field." By launching the Move the World Forward campaign, ILMA aims to connect students with career paths that can be rewarding and fulfilling.

Campaign Highlights

ILMA's campaign will feature a multitude of initiatives designed to attract the next generation to this essential industry. Here are some key elements of the campaign:

1. Online Resources for Students

Students interested in exploring careers in lubricant manufacturing can visit ilma.org/gearyourcareer. This site includes a variety of informative resources, such as toolkits, videos, and educational materials detailing various career paths within the industry.

2. Educational Videos

A selection of educational videos will be made available online, aimed at elucidating the importance of the lubricant manufacturing industry and the unique career opportunities it offers. These videos will serve to educate students about how lubricants impact everyday life and emphasize their significance in numerous applications.

3. Engaging Social Media Campaign

Under the hashtag #GearYourCareer, the campaign will leverage social media to engage students, parents, and industry experts in meaningful conversations. This engagement is designed to spark interest and encourage young people to consider careers in lubricant manufacturing.

4. Scholarship Opportunities

To further support students pursuing careers in this field, ILMA will be revitalizing its scholarship program. The Move the World Forward Scholarship will provide financial aid of $3,500 annually to qualifying students attending four-year universities and vocational schools. This scholarship can be renewed each year, provided that recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Richard Camper, the president of ILMA, shares his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "When I embarked on my career in lubricant manufacturing, I had no idea how far it would take me in contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. We look forward to connecting with the next generation and raising awareness about the exciting opportunities this industry has to offer."

Timing and Industry Trends

This initiative arrives at a time when interest in STEM careers is surging. According to projections, STEM employment is expected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the 3.6% growth forecasted for non-STEM fields. ILMA recognizes the importance of investing in the current and future workforce to create a bridge of knowledge and experience as professionals transition into the industry.

Conclusion

The Move the World Forward campaign by ILMA is not just an initiative to raise awareness about lubricant manufacturing; it aims to inspire career choices that influence the future of this essential industry. By facilitating educational resources, scholarship opportunities, and career guidance, ILMA is committed to ensuring the sustainability and innovation of lubricant manufacturing for years to come. For more information about this campaign, visit ilma.org/gearyourcareer.