by Deb Volzer, Government and Workforce Partnership Director for SME This 2024 Progress Report on the implementation of the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) is the first in a series of annual reports since its announcement in the fall of 2023 and its launch in January of 2024. The MI-WPC leverages SME's industry expertise and the educational capabilities of select U.S. colleges. The initiative aims to raise awareness of manufacturing careers, optimize workforce systems, and accelerate education and skill development to help individuals secure family-sustaining wages in the manufacturing sector. The report covers the period of onboarding and uniting SME leadership with key stakeholders from college leadership, industry, and community partners. Progress Report Overview In response to the pressing need to bolster the manufacturing workforce in the United States, SME, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing manufacturing technology adoption and talent development, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. Partnering with community and technical colleges nationwide, SME has launched the Manufacturing Imperative — Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) to revitalize the industry's talent pipeline and equip workers with the skills needed for success in modern manufacturing.Over a three-year pilot period, MI-WPC aims to attract 1,000 individuals annually to each of the initial 25 participating colleges. This ambitious goal will result in 75,000 or more qualified workers annually, addressing the projected 2.7 million-person workforce shortage by 2030. Failure to address this shortage could have a staggering $4 trillion impact on the economy. Since the initiative's launch, clear opportunities and challenges have emerged. These include effective employer engagement strategies, validated curriculum, and expanding faculty capacity. Challenges include reaching target populations, engaging employers of all sizes, and optimizing learning modalities for students. SME and partner colleges are collaborating to identify best practices and develop solutions to expand the talent pipeline. SME is fully committed to this initiative, dedicating staff, and resources to support its success. By amplifying, optimizing, and scaling local strategies, SME aims to address the manufacturing workforce crisis and ensure a robust future for the industry across the nation. Through collaboration and innovation, MI-WPC is poised to transform the landscape of manufacturing talent development and economic growth.
