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SME Insights: Real Voices. Real Solutions.

Explore firsthand stories from the people shaping manufacturing’s future.

SME Insights is a storytelling series spotlighting the people and programs shaping the future of the U.S. manufacturing workforce. Through candid video interviews and supporting blog content, we bring you actionable insights and inspiration from across the industry: employers, educators, nonprofits, students, and workforce leaders.

SME Insights Showcase

Close-up view of interlocking metal gears and cogs, showing the precision and craftsmanship that reflect themes of manufacturing innovation.

Jerry Rex

Director of Corporate Development, American Precision Museum

Learn about the American Precision Museum's rich history and its mission to spark manufacturing careers through STEM + M. Featuring Jerry Rex, Director of Corporate Development, American Precision Museum and Greg Jones, Director of Strategic Programs and Partnerships, SME.

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A small team reviews a robotic arm prototype in a modern lab, discussing training and workforce solutions supported by Tooling U-SME.

Greg Jones

Strategic Programs and Partnerships Director, SME

See how Tooling U-SME is helping manufacturers close the talent gap with online training, VR labs, and a quick readiness check.

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Discover How Employing Neurodiverse Individuals Drives Innovation

Tara May

Chief Executive Officer, Aspiritech

Learn how employing neurodiverse talent drives innovation, strengthens the workforce, and creates more inclusive manufacturing environments.

FANUC America & SME Advance CTE with Robotics and Scholarships

Paul Aiello

Executive Director of the CERT Education Group, FANUC America

Discover how FANUC America and SME are transforming career and technical education through robotics training, hands-on learning, and a $1M scholarship fund.

Jeannine Kunz

Chief Executive Officer, SME

The current and projected skills gap in the US Manufacturing Industry is a well-documented challenge that’s been challenging to manufacturing growth, GDP and national security. Learn why SME is standing up the SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 exhibit.

Supporting Neurodiverse Talent Through Inclusive Manufacturing

Tara Havlicek

Program Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Americas Foundation (MEAF)

SME and Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation collaborate to support scholarships for neurodiverse students and individuals with disabilities. Tara Havlicek, Program Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Americas Foundation and Rob Luce, Vice President, SME Education Foundation highlight how accommodations make a difference.

Milwaukee Tool team member in red shirt speaks in front of a crowd at Mission Critical 2030

Daniel Sellhausen

Manager of Accessory Prototyping, Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool partnered with SME to deploy new technology innovation in the form of QR codes that are laser-etched on machine to provide its rapid prototyping workforce with access to machine documentation for machine setup, preventative maintenance information, and visual and video aids to streamline the production of new to the world products that can be produced with same day results.

a steady hand measures a 3d printed shaft with a pair of calipers

Jeff Gaskill

Director of Education & Business Development, Snap-on

Discover how Snap-on, Starrett, and the SME Education Foundation are building a stronger talent pipeline through certifications in precision measurement and hands-on training.

Dottie Stewart

Vice President Sales Americas & Global Education Strategy, UltiMaker

Learn how UltiMaker and SME Education Foundation are equipping underserved students for future careers through scholarships and early 3D printing education.

SME Insights interview desk at the Mission Critical 2030 exhibit

Becca O'Toole

Partnership Development Director, Cengage

Cengage and SME work directly with employers to create access for new talent in manufacturing by providing access through training, advancing onboarding culture at companies and instilling a sense of "speed to paycheck" for adult learners who are seeking a career change, as well as creating awareness to career paths in manufacturing for students.

Amy Stage

Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Development, MACNY

The Real Life Rosies program, launched by MACNY with support from Tooling U-SME and Mohawk Valley Community College, is breaking barriers and opening doors for women in manufacturing. Discover how this innovative pre-apprenticeship initiative equips participants with certifications, hands-on skills, and direct pathways to employment, reshaping the future of the industry.

Rob Luce

Vice President, SME Education Foundation

At RAPID + TCT in Detroit, SME’s Dan Sloan speaks with Rob Luce about how the SME Education Foundation is confronting the skills gap. From Bright Minds Student Summits to SME PRIME—now in 120 schools across 25 states—see how tech exposure, teacher training, and industry-aligned curricula are guiding 12,000+ students a year toward manufacturing careers.

Jesse Roitenberg

Director of Education, Stratasys

SME and Stratasys are joining forces to expand additive manufacturing education through PRIME school partnerships, educator certifications, scholarships, and national competitions like SkillsUSA. Their collaboration is empowering students and teachers with cutting-edge skills while igniting passion for careers that will shape the future of manufacturing.

Three engineers in safety glasses collaborate on operating an advanced robotic system in a modern manufacturing lab, with one holding a laptop and others adjusting equipment.

Manuel Merkt

COO and Vice President of Marketing, Haimer USA

Haimer USA is advancing manufacturing talent through scholarships, apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships. In this discussion, Manuel Merkt and Christian Jensen explore how Haimer’s investment in workforce education, employee training, and student outreach is helping build a skilled and loyal workforce while strengthening the broader manufacturing ecosystem.

Close-up of angle grinder cutting metal with sparks, showcasing skilled trades and metalworking processes in manufacturing.

Joe Kane

Chief Executive Officer, Rollomatic

Rollomatic and the SME Education Foundation are partnering to shape the future of manufacturing through scholarships and training. CEO Joe Kane joins Christian Jensen to discuss Rollomatic’s Learning Center, the Rollomatic Scholarship, and the company’s long-term commitment to education. Their conversation highlights how industry-education partnerships ensure a robust pipeline of skilled talent for the manufacturing sector.

A CNC lathe machine in operation, rotating a metal workpiece at high speed while a cutting tool shapes its surface with precision.

Derek Schroeder

Universal Machine, Sales and Proposal Manager, GROB Systems, Inc.

GROB Systems is advancing manufacturing careers through innovation, training, and education. In this discussion, Derek Schroeder shares how GROB’s workforce initiatives and investment in talent are preparing the next generation of skilled professionals to succeed in modern manufacturing.

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