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Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce.

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Workforce

The talent shortage and skills gap have reached a critical level for manufacturing companies. In this environment, manufacturers need to strengthen and optimize every aspect of their talent management. Successful companies achieve superior business results by building effective programs to select, develop, and retain talent and engage and invest in all employees—from top leadership to the shop floor—by giving them tools for solving problems and taking ownership of their roles.

Highlights

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Highlights New Commitments Toward Equitable Workforce Development in Advanced Manufacturing

| Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Labor (DOL), Executive Office of the President, National Science Foundation (NSF) | Manufacturing USA | Advanced Manufacturing, Workforce

The Biden-Harris Administration will announce new commitments to workforce development from the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint. The Sprint, which First Lady Jill Biden announced in May and the Administration kicked off in October, is an intensive drive to build a diverse, skilled pipeline of workers for good advanced manufacturing jobs, including union jobs, many of which do not require a four-year college degree.

Federal Announcements

A Proclamation on National Manufacturing Day, 2024

| Executive Office of the President | Manufacturing Day, Workforce

President Joe Biden proclaimed tomorrow, Oct. 4, 2024, National Manufacturing Day. “I thank our manufacturing workers for all that they do to strengthen our Nation, encourage all Americans to look for ways to get involved in their communities, and call on everyone to join me in participating in National Manufacturing Day and, most importantly, buying American.”

Read the Proclamation

NSF Investing Nearly $8M in EducateAI Awards to Develop Next Generation of Well-Trained AI Workforce

| National Science Foundation (NSF) | Artificial Intelligence, Research and Development (R&D), Technology, Workforce

Artificial Intelligence is transforming research, education, manufacturing and everyday life. To prepare the next generation of talent for a diverse, well-trained AI workforce, the U.S. National Science Foundation directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and STEM Education launched the NSF EducateAI initiative. This program aims to make state-of-the-art, inclusive AI educational experiences available nationwide.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $50 Million to Strengthen America's Auto Communities and Bolster Domestic Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

| Department of Energy (DOE), Executive Office of the President | Automotive, Electric Vehicle, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Workforce

The U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, announced $50 million for six states with significant automotive workforces to help small- and medium-sized suppliers adapt manufacturing facilities for the electric vehicle supply chain, helping to maintain good-paying, union jobs in traditional auto communities.

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Biden-Harris Administration Invests $2.2 Billion in the Nation's Grid to Protect Against Extreme Weather, Lower Costs, and Prepare for Growing Demand

| Department of Energy (DOE), Executive Office of the President | Clean Energy, Technology, Workforce

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $2.2 billion investment in the nation’s grid for eight projects across 18 states to protect against growing threats of extreme weather events, lower costs for communities, and catalyze additional grid capacity to meet load growth stemming from an increase in manufacturing and data centers.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $24 Million to Further Expand America's Clean Energy Workforce and Enhance Manufacturing Efficiency

| Department of Energy (DOE), Executive Office of the President | Clean Energy, Workforce

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced 21 new projects selected to receive $24 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster the development of clean energy workforce training programs – with a focus on jobs that do not require a four-year degree – within union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools across the country.

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U.S. National Science Foundation and Department of Commerce Partner to Advance Semiconductor Workforce Development

| Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF) | Semiconductors, Workforce

The U.S. National Science Foundation and the CHIPS for America Research and Development Office within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly invest in a new initiative to train the future semiconductor workforce at all levels for myriad job types across industry and the nation.

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Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative

| Executive Office of the President | Product Development Cycle, Workforce

The United States’ nuclear submarine force, and the industrial base partners that help deliver and maintain that capability, are foundational to our national security mission. However, America’s submarine industry is limited by significant workforce needs. The Biden-Harris Administration is making strategic investments in Michigan as part of a national economic and defense policy initiative to meet the Navy’s 5-fold increase in submarine production.

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NSF Awards $35M for Networks to Transform Research Capacity and Competitiveness

| National Science Foundation (NSF) | Research and Development (R&D), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Workforce

The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded $35 million through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Incubators for STEM Excellence Research Infrastructure Improvement to boost research competitiveness, build partnerships across academic institutions and non-academic sectors and create workforce development opportunities.

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Related Programs

  • Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)

    The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a Manufacturing USA Institute, is a member-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the bioeconomy of the United States. The institute’s work will positively impact not only manufacturing but also healthcare and education & workforce development for the nation. 

  • BioFabUSA

    BioFabUSA, a Manufacturing USA Institute and program of the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), is a public-private partnership including companies, academic institutions and not-for profit organizations. The mission of BioFabUSA is to bring together the fundamental tenets of good manufacturing processes and the science of regenerative medicine to create regenerative manufacturing and the trained and ready workforce necessary for that manufacturing.

  • Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE)

    BioMADE is building a sustainable, domestic, end-to-end bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem.  BioMADE, a Manufacturing USA Institute, has the mission and flexibility to propel new biotechnology products from the laboratory to the commercial market.  In addition to supporting the development of technologies to strengthen American competitiveness, BioMADE is building the workforce of the future by partnering with K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and professional development organizations. 

  • Chips for America

    Semiconductors, or chips, are tiny electronic devices that are integral to America’s economic and national security. These devices power tools as simple as a light switch and as complex as a fighter jet or a smartphone. Semiconductors power our consumer electronics, automobiles, data centers, critical infrastructure, and virtually all military systems. They are also essential building blocks of the technologies that will shape our future, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy.

    While the United States remains a global leader in semiconductor design and research and development, it has fallen behind in manufacturing and now accounts for only about 10 percent of global commercial production. Today, none of the most advanced logic and memory chips—the chips that power PCs, smartphones, and supercomputers—are manufactured at commercial scale in the United States. In addition, many elements of the semiconductor supply chain are geographically concentrated, leaving them vulnerable to disruption and endangering the global economy and U.S. national security.

    That’s why President Biden signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 into law. The law provides the Department of Commerce with $50 billion for a suite of programs to strengthen and revitalize the U.S. position in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing—while also investing in American workers.

  • E3: Economy – Energy – Environment

    E3: Economy, Energy and Environment is a federal technical assistance framework helping communities, manufacturers and manufacturing supply chains adapt and thrive in today's green economy. EPA and five other federal agencies have pooled their resources to support small and medium-sized manufacturers with customized assessments. E3 is helping communities across the country reduce pollution and energy use while increasing profits and creating new job opportunities.

  • Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership

    The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The National Program Office (NIST MEP) provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations. The MEP National Network's strength is in its partnerships. Through its collaborations at the federal, state and local level, MEP Centers work with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains. The MEP Program serves as a bridge to other organizations and federal research labs that share a passion for enhancing the manufacturing community. 

  • Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office

    The Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office (IEDO) accelerates the innovation and adoption of cost-effective technologies that eliminate industrial greenhouse gas emissions. IEDO provides planning, management, and direction necessary for a balanced national program of research, development, demonstration, technical assistance, and workforce development to drive energy, materials and production efficiency, and decarbonization across the industrial sector. 

  • LIFT

    LIFT, a Manufacturing USA Institute, is a nonprofit, public-private partnership between industry, academia, and government that supports our nation’s economy and enhances its national security by accelerating innovative advanced manufacturing technology and talent development. LIFT solves the manufacturing equation by connecting materials, processes, systems, and talent needed to drive American manufacturing into the future.

  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network

    The MEP National NetworkTM is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.  The Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations. MEP Centers tailor services ranging from process improvement and workforce development to specialized business practices, including supply chain integration and technology transfer. Centers connect manufacturers with government agencies, trade associations, universities, research laboratories, state and federal initiatives, and other resources.

  • Manufacturing Times Digital (MxD) – The Digital Manufacturing & Cybersecurity Institute

    MxD, a Manufacturing USA Institute, is where innovative manufacturers forge their futures. In partnership with DoD, MxD, a Manufacturing USA Institute, provides manufacturers with digital tools and expertise to begin building every part better than the last.  Institute members increase their productivity and win more business, powered by a workforce with the digital skills they need for a cybersecure industrial base. MxD also works with DoD manufacturers and contractors to assess and implement digital improvements throughout the industrial base.

  • Manufacturing USA

    Manufacturing USA was created in 2014 to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. Manufacturing USA institutes convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Key initiatives include Future Manufacturing Supply Chains Manufacturing, Manufacturing Workforce Development, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Leadership, Covid 19 Manufacturing Recovery, and Clean Energy Manufacturing.

  • Materials Genome Initiative

    The Materials Genome Initiative is a federal multi-agency initiative for discovering, manufacturing, and deploying advanced materials twice as fast and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods. The initiative creates policy, resources, and infrastructure to support U.S. institutions in the adoption of methods for accelerating materials development. 

  • National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII)

    America Makes, a Manufacturing USA Institute, is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education. America Makes members from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate AM adoption and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness, focused on three areas – developing AM technology, developing an AM workforce, and maintaining a collaborative AM ecosystem. 

  • National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

    The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), a Manufacturing USA Institute, is a public-private partnership focused on advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing, solving industry challenges, and developing the skilled workforce of the future.

  • NextFlex – America’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute

    NextFlex, a Manufacturing USA Institute, together with its members, recognizes that the Hybrid Electronics technology base presents critically important opportunities for U.S. manufacturing. NextFlex is addressing the need for a strong U.S. manufacturing base through these three key areas: Expanding the electronics manufacturing ecosystem, providing access to a technology hub for pilot-scale Manufacturing, and building the workforce of tomorrow.

  • Registered Apprenticeship Program

    Topic:
    Workforce

    Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

  • SelectUSA

    SelectUSA is the U.S. government program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that focuses on facilitating job-creating business investment into the United States and raising awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy. Since its inception, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $200 billion in investment, creating and/or retaining over 200,000 U.S. jobs. 

  • USDA Rural Development Business Programs

    Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow a business.  Business Programs also support the creation and preservation of quality jobs in rural areas.

Related Reports

  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership Annual Report FY2022

    | Industrial Commons, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Technology, Workforce

    The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 created the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. based manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes and services more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).

  • ARM Institute Issues Future of Work Study Press Release

    | Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Technology, Workforce

    The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute publicly released its Future of Work study. The study, previously issued to ARM Institute Members, details how advanced technologies, chiefly robotics, automation, and AI, are changing the nature of manufacturing careers and the actions needed to prepare the U.S. workforce for these changes.

  • Advancing U.S. Manufacturing: Solutions to critical challenges including attracting a skilled workforce, strengthening supply chains, and supporting technology and innovation

    | Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Technology, Workforce

    Our nation’s economic stability relies on a strong manufacturing sector one that generates jobs, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth. Because small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) make up a large proportion of U.S. firms, their success is essential to a robust manufacturing ecosystem.

  • Space Manufacturing Technology Report

    | In-space, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Technology, Workforce

    This report focuses on five areas and includes 14 recommendations that are actionable by NASA, DOD, DOC, and other federal departments and agencies. When implemented, these recommendations will lead to an increased understanding of existing infrastructure and identification of current capabilities and future needs for space manufacturing.

  • Overview of U.S. Government Manufacturing Workforce Programs

    | Workforce

    This report provides a brief outline of several federal government workforce development programs that are open to participation from foreign investors and U.S. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs). SelectUSA, in collaboration with its federal interagency partners, seeks to de-mystify federal workforce programs that have the largest potential to maintain and enhance a competitive U.S. workforce.

  • National Defense Industrial Strategy

    | Industrial Commons, Product Development Cycle, Supply Chain, Workforce

    A robust and resilient industrial base provides the enduring foundation for military advantage. While America continues to generate the world’s most capable weapons systems, it must have the capacity to produce those capabilities at speed and scale to maximize our advantage.

  • Building the Bioworkforce of the Future

    | Biotechnology, Workforce

    This plan, “Building the Bioworkforce of the Future,” builds upon recent reports and assessments of the workforce needs for biotechnology and biomanufacturing and input from stakeholders across government, business, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. Public input was collected through listening sessions and an OSTP-led Request for Information posted in December 2022. Input from this outreach informed the recommendations and action steps.

  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership Annual Report FY2021

    | Industrial Commons, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Technology, Workforce

    For over thirty years, the MEP program has focused on bridging the manufacturing productivity gap, identifying opportunities for growth, and encouraging technology deployment. The 51 MEP Centers are an integral part of the MEP National Network, providing manufacturing clients with a wide array of fundamental services in manufacturing, business, and process improvements.

  • National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing

    | Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Climate, Supply Chain, Workforce

    This 2022 National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, developed by the SAM following extensive public outreach, is based on a vision for United States leadership in advanced manufacturing that will grow the economy, create quality jobs, enhance environmental sustainability, address climate change, strengthen supply chains, ensure national security, and improve healthcare.

    Executive Summary Executive Summary Tri-Fold
  • A Strategy for the CHIPS for America Fund

    | Semiconductors, Technology, Workforce

    This document describes the U.S. Department of Commerce’s implementation strategy for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Fund, a $50 billion investment to catalyze long-term growth in the domestic semiconductor industry in support of our national and economic security.

  • Annual Report on U.S. Manufacturing Industry Statistics

    | Research and Development (R&D), Supply Chain, Workforce

    This study was conducted by the Applied Economics Office (AEO) in the Engineering Laboratory (EL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The study provides aggregate manufacturing industry data and industry subsector data to develop a quantitative depiction of the U.S. manufacturing industry.

  • Manufacturing USA Report to Congress: Fiscal Year 2020

    | COVID-19, Industrial Commons, Manufacturing USA, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Technology, Workforce

    This annual report to Congress provides updates on the Manufacturing USA network response to COVID-19, as well as manufacturing technology development and workforce impacts from across the manufacturing innovation institutes.

  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership Annual Report FY2020

    | Industrial Commons, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Technology, Workforce

    Since 1988, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing. The MEP program was created in 1988 by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act to improve the competitiveness of U.S.-based manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes and services more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) through MEP Centers in every state and Puerto Rico.