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.
Rowan University has partnered with DMG MORI, a manufacturer of high-precision machine tools, to offer comprehensive degree and certification programs to provide students with the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving industry. The program will offer training in advanced and additive manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Rowan students will have the opportunity to intern at one of DMG MORI's facilities, gaining hands-on experience with the latest manufacturing technologies and fostering practical skills and industry knowledge.
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Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Arizona, has launched the Future48 Workforce Accelerator. The new facility will provide hands-on training to prepare students for in-demand careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing. In a recent quote, Governor Katie Hobbs said, “Realizing the Arizona Promise means connecting Arizonans to family-sustaining jobs of the future. This new program, which is part of my administration's ongoing commitment to growing our workforce, will create pathways for our community college students to launch careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing. Through partnerships like this one, Arizona will remain at the forefront of a critical industry that helps keep us safe and secure.”
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Pittsburgh’s North Hills School District Welding Program will receive $199,840 through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant program. The money will be used to upgrade equipment and support instructional staff. The program is designed to provide students with the skills required for entry-level welding positions and introduce them to career opportunities in manufacturing through workshops, facility tours, and mentorship programs. In a recent quote, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Director of Workforce Development Initiatives Gwen Ross said, “The Shapiro Administration recognizes that in-school career programs like the North Hills Welding Program benefit both our workers and the manufacturing industry. Engaging students with advanced technology experiences helps to meet the needs of the industry while placing young Pennsylvanians on the path to rewarding careers in manufacturing.”
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Siemens Digital Industries Software has partnered with the University of Michigan’s Center for Academic Innovation to create a new online course, "Introduction to 3D Printing with Metals," aimed at increasing the adoption of additive manufacturing and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. The course, developed with U-M professors Chinedum Okwudire and Dr. Nathaniel Wood, covers essential metal printing methods, their benefits, limitations, and practical applications. In a recent quote, Chinedum Okwudire said,“The goal of this course is to broaden the knowledge and engagement in metal additive manufacturing across a diverse and global audience that can help advance society through this game-changing technology. Siemens’ support, both from a financial and knowledge point of view has been instrumental in the development of this course and we look forward to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce trained in metal additive manufacturing.”
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The Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF) announced the election of its 2025 Board of Directors, which will begin their term on April 1, 2025. As a nonprofit partner to the Women in Manufacturing Association, WiMEF supports women in manufacturing through career pathways, valuable connections, and best-in-class programming. In a recent quote, WiMEF Executive Director Gretchen Moore said, “I am thrilled to welcome this distinguished group of industry leaders to the Board of Directors. We rely on our board leaders to provide guidance, insight, and expertise during this season of growth and innovation for both WiMEF and the manufacturing sector.”
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