Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association Launches Industry's First-Ever Career Pipeline Campaign to Energize the Next Generation of Friction Fighters

"Move the World Forward" calls on students and young adults to learn more about the innovative world of lubricant manufacturing and gear their career to the future

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) announced "Move the World Forward," a digital initiative to educate the future workforce on career opportunities in lubricant manufacturing. ILMA is a member organization of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors with a mission to provide the safest, highest-quality products to customers for industrial, transportation and household use.

Lubricant products keep planes in the air, cars on the road, machines in businesses, and households and hospitals running efficiently. In short, the world would come to a stop without lubricants. For more than 150 years, lubricants have played a critical role in manufacturing and innovation, such as with steam engines during the industrial boom, while continuing to evolve to meet more modern-day challenges, such as driving greater fuel efficiency and enabling aerospace exploration.

"Without lubricants, the world would grind to a halt. Despite the importance of lubricant manufacturing, there is a lack of awareness among early-career individuals about the industry and the abundance of opportunities to make a real difference," said Holly Alfano, ILMA chief executive officer. "We are excited to launch the Move the World Forward campaign to guide students toward a rewarding career."

As part of the campaign, ILMA will set in motion a series of initiatives to invest in and educate the future workforce, which can be found at: ilma.org/gearyourcareer.

• ilma.org/gearyourcareer: Includes new resources for students curious about a career in lubricant manufacturing, including a toolkit and informational videos.
• Videos: Informative videos will be available online for students to learn about the lubricant manufacturing industry, how essential it is to everyday life, and the unique career opportunities available.
• #GearYourCareer: The social media campaign will engage students, parents and lubricant manufacturing experts in a conversation on what the industry is and why they should consider a future as a friction fighter.
• Move the World Forward Scholarship: The ILMA Foundation is relaunching its scholarship program and, for the first time, offering the opportunity to four-year university and vocational school students. The scholarship is an award of $3,500 per year and is renewable annually based on maintenance of a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

"The Move the World Forward campaign hits home for me. When I started my career in lubricant manufacturing as a young adult, I couldn't have imagined how far it would take me and how I would end up playing a role in making the world more energy efficient and sustainable," said Richard Camper, ILMA president. "We look forward to engaging with the next generation and increasing awareness of the benefits and potential of a career in this exciting, lucrative and innovative industry."

This initiative comes at a time when demand and interest in STEM-related careers are at an all-time high. Between 2023 and 2033, there will be a predicted 10.4% increase in STEM employment (compared to a 3.6% increase in non-STEM employment). ILMA sees this as the time to invest in the current, and future, workforce to ensure that generational knowledge can be passed on to the incoming group of professionals.

About Move the World Forward Campaign
The lubricant manufacturing industry is fast-moving, lucrative and applicable to many different facets of the world from backhoes to bone screws. Developed by ILMA, the Move the World Forward campaign aims to increase awareness of the industry and the purpose-driven careers that put young professionals at the forefront of state-of-the-art products and systems. The time is now to educate the next generation on the impact the industry has and how they can be part of it.

About ILMA
Since 1948, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) has been the voice of member companies that produce lubricants for customers who use their products to improve performance and increase efficiency. The organization's top priority is helping members provide the safest, highest-quality products to customers for industrial, transportation and household use. ILMA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

Media Contact
Katy Frame
610-613-3549
[email protected] 

SOURCE Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association