Build the Future of the U.S. Manufacturing Workforce U.S. manufacturing is facing a critical challenge: a widening gap between available jobs and skilled talent. As the demand for advanced manufacturing skills grows, employers are struggling to find qualified workers to fill essential roles. The SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) was created to close this manufacturing skills gap. In collaboration with 32 community colleges, MI-WPC is strengthening the manufacturing workforce pipeline by increasing enrollment in manufacturing training programs by 1,000 students per college annually—with a goal of producing 75,000 skilled workers. Through data-driven workforce strategies, industry-aligned curriculum, and scalable solutions, MI-WPC is advancing manufacturing workforce development across the United States. Learn More
Workforce National Impact Report Manufacturing is the backbone of America’s economy, and sustaining its future requires coordinated action across education, industry, and community partners. The MI-WPC Manufacturing Workforce Impact Report highlights key trends, outcomes, and progress in closing the manufacturing skills gap. In its second year, MI-WPC expanded its national workforce development network by adding three new states and six new colleges—now impacting more than 30 communities nationwide. This growth has increased awareness of modern manufacturing careers and driven enrollment in high-quality manufacturing education and workforce training programs. Highlights of the Impact Report: Nearly 49,000 students enrolled in manufacturing programs 4,715 career awareness events hosted 32 partner colleges across 21 states Explore the full report to learn how MI-WPC is strengthening the U.S. manufacturing workforce pipeline and supporting long-term industry growth.
MI-WPC Colleges Meeting the Challenge The 32 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
Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program Success Story: Wake Tech In July 2025, Wake Tech launched an innovative apprenticeship program in partnership with leading life sciences employers CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, and Eli Lilly and Company. The eight-month Biomechatronics training program prepares advanced maintenance technicians for high-demand roles. Following completion, participants transition directly into paid, full-time on-the-job training with one of the partner companies. Apprenticeship expansion has become a strategic focus for Wake Tech. In 2024, 150 companies employed 500 apprentices through Wake Tech Apprenticeship—up from just 20 employers and 100 apprentices four years earlier—demonstrating the scalability and employer value of industry-driven earn-and-learn models.
Ready to Join the MI-WPC? Step into a national network of community colleges leading the future of manufacturing workforce development—and gain the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to grow your programs and deliver measurable enrollment and workforce outcomes. The MI-WPC is a strategic, research-driven workforce investment. Participating colleges receive: Data-Driven Insights – Access national manufacturing workforce research with actionable insights on skill gaps, workforce trends, and program best practices Exclusive Peer Network – Collaborate through advisory councils with college leaders, industry partners, and national organizations Curriculum Support – Utilize industry-aligned content and credentials to strengthen and modernize training programs Marketing & Outreach Support – Improve student recruitment through proven marketing strategies, campaign tools, and targeted outreach efforts Federal Advocacy – Gain a stronger voice in shaping national workforce policy and funding priorities for manufacturing education Accountability & Results – Track performance with ongoing measurement tools and insights to demonstrate program impact Apply Today
