John Gardner, author of "Manufacture Local," passionately discusses the pivotal role of manufacturing in the economy and its integration into K-12 education. He highlights the urgent need to shift perceptions surrounding manufacturing, showcasing its high-tech advancements and lucrative career opportunities. With a potential deficit of 2.1 million jobs by 2030, Gardner emphasizes reconnecting education with vocational training. He advocates for real-world applications in classrooms and collaboration with local businesses to inspire students towards rewarding manufacturing careers.