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.
Researchers from a host of Florida universities, including Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, and Florida Institute of Technology, have partnered to create the Center for Science, or C-STARS. The program, which is funded by $80,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to improve the manufacture of medicines, electronics and bioenergy systems in space. In a recent quote, Dr. Eduardo Rojas, associate professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Embry Riddle and site director, said, “This NSF planning grant allows the team to expand and deepen Embry Riddle’s research activities on space technologies. We seek discoveries and technology development for space electronics that will both energize our space coast industry and bring new knowledge and opportunities to our students.”
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Drexel University and the Community College of Philadelphia will receive a $200,000 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant, which is designed to help people with disabilities enroll in manufacturing training programs. Students who complete the program will receive help applying for manufacturing jobs in the area, as well as additional support once they are hired. In a recent quote, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said, “The Shapiro Administration is proud to support the Community Integrated Services program as they expand our manufacturing workforce and create real opportunity for our residents with disabilities who are looking for good jobs. The Manufacturing Accelerator Program will benefit both the industry and the community by creating a more inclusive and productive workforce that can meet the current and future needs of the region.”
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The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's (UWM’s) College of Engineering & Applied Science has received a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This money will be used to increase the number of Industrial Training Assessment Centers (ITAC), which are designed to improve the energy assessment skills of Midwest manufacturing workers and help the industry reduce its energy consumption. In a recent quote, Ryo Amano, UWM’s Richard & Joanne Grigg Fellow and UWM mechanical engineering professor, said, “The total amount of the consortia funding is $14 million, so UWM’s slice is large – more than a third. That isn’t surprising, however, because UWM is known for its expertise in training the next generation of energy engineers. The growing number of ITACs is made possible by the DOE’s network of university-based Industrial Assessment Centers. And UWM has hosted the only Industrial Assessment Center in Wisconsin for nearly 30 years.”
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The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) has introduced its Mobile Training Center, which is designed to change how advanced manufacturing training is delivered across New Jersey. The custom-built RV is equipped with the latest technologies and will travel to manufacturing operations, schools, and community centers across the state to improve industrial training. In a recent quote, Pete Connolly, NJMEP’s CEO, said, “We can deliver training to any community, any manufacturer, and utilize the Mobile Training Center as a modular classroom or hands-on training lab. “We can take the training facility to nearly anywhere in the state. Also, we will incorporate the Training Center in the Future Makers and Creators Tour locations we are hosting with the support of the NJEDA.”
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The National Science Foundation has awarded a $503,646 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant to Jackson College to fund an interdisciplinary program in manufacturing to support a skilled workforce for the tri-county region. The money will be used to create a new certificate program leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing degree. In a recent quote, Jackson College President & CEO Daniel J. Phelan said, “We at Jackson College are honored and grateful to receive this NSF grant, which is also the second in the history of our college, and which will be used to significantly enhance our instructional efforts in Manufacturing 4.0. This funding strengthens our ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge education in advanced manufacturing, equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”
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