The SME Manufacturing Imperative - Workforce Pipeline Challenge Data - Insights - Scalable Solutions The SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) is a national research-driven initiative addressing the critical workforce shortage and skills gap in U.S. manufacturing. In partnership with 25 community colleges, MI-WPC is on a mission to increase manufacturing career enrollments by 1,000 new students per year per college—a bold strategy designed to produce 75,000 skilled workers in just three years. By leveraging data, industry insights, and scalable solutions, MI-WPC is shaping the future of American manufacturing—one career at a time.
MI-WPC Spring 2025 Program Report SME’s MI-WPC is tackling the industry’s workforce gap by partnering with 25 community colleges across 17 states. Aiming to engage 75,000 learners in three years, the initiative addresses the 600,000+ unfilled manufacturing jobs—projected to reach 4 million by 2030—by focusing on untapped talent, including young adults and underserved populations. A new spring 2025 Program report highlights key achievements: 226,209 individuals reached through outreach initiatives to increase career awareness, 12,914 new students enrolled, and 4,388 industry credentials earned. Through collaboration with education, industry, and community partners, MI-WPC is scaling and adapting successful workforce solutions. View the Spring 2025 Report
MI-WPC Colleges Meeting the Challenge The 25 colleges participating in the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge are leading the way in workforce development, recognized for their commitment to: Strengthening Educational Capacity Industry-Driven Alignment & Engagement Research & Innovation Scaling Promising Practices National Advocacy Click on a college logo to learn how they are shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing.
25 Colleges in 17 States 40M People Living Near an Imperative College 47K Manufacturers Near an Imperative College 600K Open Manufacturing Jobs Nationally 75K New Talents – The Goal of MI-WPC
SME MI-WPC Blogs MI-WPC Director’s Update: From the Desk of Dr. Deb Volzer October 17, 2025 As we move into the second half of the year, I’m excited to share a few important updates from across the MI-WPC (Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge) team. Our work continues to accelerate as we expand partnerships, implement pilot programs, and deepen our impact with colleges and manufacturers nationwide. By Dr. Deb Volzer, Strategic Partnerships Director, Workforce Development Digital Outreach Strategy Expands Manufacturing Awareness and Enrollment Opportunities October 17, 2025 An innovative digital outreach insight study led by SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge Sector Strategy Program Manager Rich Brewer is helping community colleges across the country. By Cara Pattison, Program Manager Beyond October: How Champions Are Expanding the Impact of Manufacturing Day October 17, 2025 Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) members from across the country came together to exchange ideas and lessons learned from their past Manufacturing Day celebrations. By Cara Pattison, Program Manager Wake Tech’s Employer-Led Apprenticeship Model Gains National Attention October 17, 2025 Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina is earning national recognition through the SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC). By Cara Pattison, Program Manager SME Manufacturing Imperative Team Grows, Sets Goals October 28, 2024 With the increase in building scale and complexities, traditional methods struggle to deliver the coordination that’s needed to stay within budgets. Building information modeling tools offer solutions. By Dr. Deb Volzer, Strategic Partnerships Director, Workforce Development Lessons in Integrating Immigrants into Manufacturing October 30, 2024 Philadelphia's Welcoming Center develops a groundbreaking workforce development program. By Elizabeth Hibner, Program Manager, MI-WPC Community Insights Study Breaking the Occupational Classification Code October 30, 2024 Advanced manufacturing is developing faster than sector classifications – what to do. By Cullen Smith, Project Manager, Research USDOL Sector Strategies Guidance Update October 29, 2024 The updated guidance highlights essential elements for coordinated efforts. By Allyssa Johnson, Program Manager, Grants and Federal Relations Launching a Dual Enrollment Manufacturing Course October 29, 2024 Integrating a CMFgA certification into a dual credit course has multiple benefits. By Cara Pattison, Program Manager, MI-WPC Make it in Illinois Program Launches October 28, 2024 State to spend $5 Million to promote manufacturing and workforce development. By Elizabeth Hibner, Program Manager, MI-WPC Community Insights Study
