The Manufacturing Institute - MI

For decades, the idea of “college for all” has shaped education policy and society’s perceptions of education, but as this article from the New York Times highlights, schools are expanding their approach to career readiness. Students are seeking high value, skills-based pathways that align with their goals, offering strong career prospects without the debt of other, more traditional paths.? This shift underscores the impact of FAME USA. For 15 years, FAME has provided a nationwide, industry-focused training model that equips participants with the technical skills, professional behaviors, and hands-on experience needed for successful careers in modern manufacturing –often through debt-free education.?As manufacturing workforce needs evolve, FAME continues to lead the way, strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring that manufacturers have access to a highly skilled workforce. Manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders: if you’re looking for a proven model to develop job-ready talent, then explore the Manufacturing Institutes’ FAME USA premier workforce development solutions. The demand for highly skilled workers is growing, and now is the time to invest in the future of manufacturing.? Read More: https://lnkd.in/e-z_HMNn #FAMEUSA #CareerPathways #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork?#ManufacturingInstitute

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders! ?? ?? The Women MAKE Awards empower and uplift women in manufacturing, recognizing 130 trailblazing leaders who exemplify innovation, excellence, and leadership in the industry. These awardees have made a lasting impact within their companies and communities, shaping the future of manufacturing. Their passion, dedication, and achievements showcase the incredible potential of women in the field. Manufacturing thrives because of bold, innovative leaders who push boundaries and create opportunities for others. The 2025 Women MAKE Award Honorees and Emerging Leaders embody this spirit through their character, professional achievements, and lasting impact. Their expertise, innovation, and dedication have propelled them to the top of their field, demonstrating that when women excel, the entire industry reaches new heights. The Women MAKE Awards are part of the MI’s Women MAKE America initiative, which strengthens the modern manufacturing workforce by elevating and highlighting the women leading the industry at every level—from the shop floor to the C-suite. By sharing their success, we inspire the next generation and help close the manufacturing talent gap. Join us in celebrating these remarkable women and their contributions to a stronger manufacturing workforce.?? Learn more about our Honorees and Emerging Leaders: https://bit.ly/41Gny34 #WomenMAKEAwards #WomensHistoryMonth #Manufacturing #MFGWomen #ManufacturingInstitute

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the missing link in frontline leadership. While communication is prioritized, EQ fuels clear, empathetic, and effective leadership. Yet, only 36% of respondents see it as a top skill, and just 21% of manufacturing executives rate their leaders as advanced in this area. Investing in EQ—self-awareness, resilience, and conflict resolution—equips leaders to handle stress, strengthen teams, and drive performance. The strongest leaders don’t just communicate—they connect. ?? Dive deeper into our findings—read our report in partnership with PwC: https://pwc.to/4hCvJmu

Last week, the MI officially launched The Quest for the Crystal of Innovation! We had the pleasure of creating and exploring new worlds with 6th graders from Holt Crossing Intermediate School, in partnership with American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Through this hands-on experience, students learned of real-world careers in manufacturing while working together to overcome obstacles and complete fun challenges. OUR MISSION? To provide a turnkey solution to manufacturers which they can use to connect directly with students, helping them discover their strengths through engaging tasks that incorporate core manufacturing skills. The activities of the day through a gamified experience fostered teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while introducing key concepts such as additive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, electromechanical components, robotics, and quality control. We’re excited to continue this journey of innovation and discovery. Are you a manufacturing company interested in bringing Innovators Quest to your community? Click the link below to learn more: https://bit.ly/42WMZ1l #InnovatorsQuest #MFGDay #MFGDay25 #STEMeducation #ManufacturingCareers #Manufacturing #FutureMakers

For years, Bertha Ostiguin thought about returning to school. After stepping away from the workforce to raise her two sons, she re-entered the workforce as a production worker at H-E-B. But the idea of juggling work, school, and parenting felt impossible. Six years into her manufacturing career, she took a bold step---joining the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program through TX FAME - Alamo, more than 25 years after she was last in school. Through FAME USA, Bertha gained technical skills, leadership training, and career advancing opportunities. She became a mentor to younger colleagues and, ultimately, the first woman from H-E-B to complete the program—at the top of her class. Read more about Bertha’s story and how FAME has changed the lives of other students who have benefited from the initiative: https://bit.ly/4kc9tBL #manufacturing #workforce #manufacturingworkforce #skills #FAMEUSA

Recently, The Manufacturing Institute joined Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, AL, for the #CompetingtoWin tour alongside the National Association of Manufacturers - NAM, delivering the inaugural State of U.S. Manufacturing Address. Presented by MI President and Executive Director Carolyn L., the address emphasized the transformative power of manufacturing—creating opportunities, equipping individuals with critical skills, and ensuring that every maker, builder, and creator has access to the training and careers that will shape the future of the industry. The State of U.S. Manufacturing Address at Drake State reinforced the importance of workforce development in strengthening the industry. As home to a new FAME USA chapter, Drake State is preparing students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing through hands-on training and industry partnerships. Programs like Alabama FAME offer students the opportunity to earn while they learn, often covering education costs entirely. With most graduates transitioning into full-time roles, earning competitive wages, and advancing faster in their careers, FAME is a proven model for building a strong, skilled workforce. The day's event underscored the critical role of workforce development initiatives, and the collaborative efforts needed to strengthen and grow the manufacturing sector in Alabama and beyond. Catch the replay today: https://bit.ly/4k82GsA #StateofMFG #Manufacturing #workforce #FAMEUSA #WomenMAKEAmercia #HeroesMAKEAmerica

Recently, Mr. Dennis Dio Parker testified at a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill on the critical role employer-led workforce education programs play in building a skilled, competitive manufacturing workforce nationwide. He highlighted the impressive growth and success of FAME USA (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing), a model he helped develop for Toyota in 2010. FAME has been operated by The Manufacturing Institute since 2019, where the MI has scaled the FAME model into a nationally recognized force for skilled workforce development. Under the direction of the MI, FAME has expanded to 45 chapters across 16 states, supported by over 450 manufacturers. FAME graduates, trained through a unique work-learn framework, develop essential professional skills--including interpersonal relations, teamwork, and verbal and written communication—as well as lean-based critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to a broad technical education. This powerful combination prepares students for successful careers as highly skilled technicians in advanced manufacturing facilities. FAME’s expansion success in Alabama is also a notable example of how strategic investment drives success. With a $12 million federal grant in 2019, the state expanded its FAME chapters from 1 to 11 and introduced a second pathway for process technicians, broadening the program’s scope and increasing workforce training opportunities across sectors. Today, Alabama's FAME footprint is a competitive advantage for the state’s manufacturing sector. Dennis’ testimony and the undeniable impact of FAME underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in creating a sustainable, competitive workforce. Programs like FAME aren’t just closing the skills gap—they’re building the future of American manufacturing. Watch the whole hearing here: https://bit.ly/3WZ9KOx #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #FAMEUSA #FAMEworks #Apprenticeships

Today at 10:00 a.m. EST / 9:00 a.m. CST: Tune in for the Manufacturing Institute’s first ever #StateofMFG Address LIVE from Drake State Community and Technical College. Find out how we can work together to find valuable solutions aimed at solving the manufacturing workforce crisis. ??: https://bit.ly/4k82GsA #StateofMFG #Manufacturing

The future of manufacturing careers in America depends on a highly skilled workforce—one equipped to sustain innovation and drive economic growth. By bringing together leaders in business, education, and government, along with students, we are committed to collaborating on solutions that address workforce shortages in our industry and highlight the opportunities for students, transitioning service members, and job seekers nationwide. SAVE THE DATE: Tune in on Feb. 20 for the inaugural State of Manufacturing Workforce Address. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear valuable solutions aimed at solving the manufacturing workforce crisis, presented by Carolyn L., President & Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, live from Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama. Join us Live at 10:00 a.m. EST / 9 a.m. CST on Feb. 20th: https://bit.ly/4k82GsA #StateofMFG #manufacturing #workforce #FAMEworks

68% of manufacturing leaders say evolving workforce expectations will be one of their biggest challenges in the coming years. More importantly, frontline leaders play a crucial role in shaping the workplace experience—one that can either attract or deter future talent. Meeting these demands requires more than quick fixes; it calls for a strategic, long-term approach that goes beyond traditional incentives. So how can manufacturing leaders harness this influence? In partnership with PwC, our research uncovers three key opportunities to empower frontline leaders and enhance worker experiences. Explore the insights from manufacturing industry experts—including team leaders, plant managers and executives—on the skills and characteristics essential for future success. Read "Empowered Leadership, Engaged Teams: Build a Better Workplace through Frontline Leadership” and stay tuned as we share key insights from the report: https://pwc.to/4hCvJmu #ManufacturingInstitute #manufacturing #workforce #PwC #leadership