I just made a pretty heavy switch in my career. I'm an ME have been doing design for 5 years since graduating. I don't know much about manufacturing, and I realize this is a marketable and sought after experience. 2 weeks ago I interviewed at a company that wants someone with mfg experience but also wants them to help with process improvement. I was upfront and told them I have no mfg experience but I really want to learn.

At the same time, had another interview at a place that does contract work for military parts, as a mfg engineer, same thing.

Ended up with 2 job offers, leveraged higher pay, and more vacation. I start in 1 week.

So I wouldn't be so quick to write off new grads. They are moldable and that is desirable in many companies that want to implement better process's but there are too many older people there that are too set in their ways.