It’s no secret that the manufacturing industry has a workforce problem. Despite continued growth in the sector, attracting and retaining the right workers is a concern that keeps many executives up at night. A recent report predicts that the manufacturing industry will need as many as 3.8 million new workers by 2033, but 1.9 million of those jobs could go unfilled. To combat this issue, manufacturers, industry organizations, and government officials at all levels are investing in education and training opportunities across the country. Here are a few examples of how industrial stakeholders are coming together to inspire, educate, and train the next generation of manufacturing workers.
The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance (OMA) has announced plans to open an Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. The 1,375-square-foot lab is intended to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers explore new technologies and process improvements. The center, which will demonstrate advances in robotics, welding, additive manufacturing, and automation, will be overseen by OMA’s Technical Services Group. In a recent quote, OMA President Dave Rowland said, “Emerging technologies are driving modern manufacturing by lowering production costs, increasing productivity and quality while boosting the creation of new innovative products. Integration of automation, especially among rural and smaller firms, is essential to keeping Oklahoma manufacturers competitive.”
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Miami University has received $10 million from the Butler County Board of Commissioners to help fund an advanced manufacturing workforce and innovation hub. The funding, which was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will be used to support Butler County and the Southwest Ohio region's manufacturing base. In a recent quote, Board President Cindy Carpenter said, “Niles Tool Works, Estate Stove, Champion Paper Mill, Mosler Safe, and Fischer Body were just a few of the industrial giants that drew my ancestors to Butler County seeking better ways to support their families. So many of us share this same story. With the launch of the advanced manufacturing hub, not only are we connecting with our own history, but we are also enriching it and creating limitless possibilities to improve the employment prospects for future generations.”
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the winners of the 34th Annual National Science Bowl. The winning students were from Lexington High School in Lexington, Massachusetts, and BASIS Independent Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington. 67 high schools and 48 middle schools competed in the Finals. The competition is designed to test students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. In a recent quote, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, “Congratulations to the wonderfully brilliant minds from BASIS Independent Bellevue and Lexington High School for winning the 2024 National Science Bowl. If these incredible students are any indication, our clean energy future is in great hands.”
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Cook County in Illinois has launched the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator program, which will help manufactures identify and screen candidates for vacant U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered apprenticeships. To help implement the program, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (BED) partnered with Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, which will work directly with employers to meet their talent needs and will provide supportive services to apprentices during their first 90 days. In a recent quote, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said, “As the name suggests, this program will accelerate talent acquisition for manufacturers and accelerate career pathways for individuals seeking a career in manufacturing – a win-win situation for all. We’re grateful to Skills for Chicagoland’s Future for their experience and partnership."
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Jackson Area Manufacturers Association and The Shop Rat Foundation have acquired a 26,000 sq ft building that will serve as a training facility to support Michigan's manufacturing education pipeline. The facility will offer a host of features, including a precision machining lab, welding lab, and several classroom spaces. In a recent quote, Kelly Kofflin, executive director of The Shop Rat Foundation, said, "This is truly an inflection point for both organizations, to grow exponentially in the depth and breadth of programming and resources that we can offer to the community. This space is the puzzle piece necessary for not only the growth of our organizations, but our community partners to truly meet the workforce needs of our manufacturers."
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