Hello Corporate Partners,
Last week, I attended the Manufacturing Institute’s (MI), the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, fourth annual Workforce Summit. The conference explored conversations around skills-based hiring, talent investment and the growing impact of AI on our industry. There were great conversations and solutions offered, and I would strongly encourage you to have someone from your human resources/talent acquisition team consider attending next year.
One foundational element of ICPF’s Strategic Road Map (see attached) is evaluating partnership opportunities with existing national programs. The Manufacturing Institute is a great place to get connected with, offering a multitude of resources and solutions to manufacturing workforce needs. I would again like to highlight some programs and opportunities discussed at the Summit which may be helpful for your company as you work to find solutions to your hiring needs.
- Change the narrative on talent investmentAcross most companies, a big challenge is developing the business case for talent investment. Know it is possible to quantify the impact of labor investment. Today, market leaders are investing across six pillars of talent excellence, tailored to address specific organizational challenges: work design, talent planning, attracting & onboarding, talent development, talent effectiveness and culture & experience. In order to get started, it is imperative to have human resources, operations and finance all working together toward talent investment goals.
ICPF’s Workforce Development Report is a helpful resource as you target talent investment. Each quarter, we provide ideas and resources to help industry companies attract, retain and develop a talented workforce in today’s competitive environment. - Reimagine frontline leadership in the age of AI
Embedding an AI-positive culture works to get all levels of employees excited, ignited and enabled when it comes to AI. Frontline leaders are navigating the AI-enabled workplace by shaping employee experience, strengthening leadership skills and guiding teams through AI-driven change. Attendees got a sneak peek at the soon to be released MI and PwC 2025 Frontline Leader of the Future survey. - Explore community partnership models in action to address workforce challenges
By creating internship and apprenticeship programs, sitting on workforce development boards, doing philanthropic work, and connecting with local schools of all levels, you can create career pathway partnerships. - FAME ProgramThe Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is an advanced manufacturing workforce education and development run by the Manufacturing Institute with locations in 17 states. FAME provides global-best workforce development through strong technical training, integration of manufacturing core competencies, intensive professional practices, and hands-on experience to build the future of the modern manufacturing industry. The Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program administered under the FAME model leverages a work/learn framework to weave technical knowledge, professional behaviors and distinct manufacturing core exercises into a focused co-op experience to build global-best, entry-level, multiskilled maintenance technicians.
The FAME model facilitates employer-led partnerships between your company and local educational institutions and establishes a channel for recruiting diverse, high-achieving and career-oriented students. Once established, the cooperative of local employers that make up the FAME Chapter will generate a continuous pipeline of skilled technicians through the AMT program.
ICPF is aware of industry companies that are already taking advantage of this program. You can join a local chapter or start your own if there isn’t one already in your area. To learn more about FAME or get started today, click here.
- Heroes MAKE America Program
The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program provides integrated certification and career-readiness training in partnership with local community colleges to prepare transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists and military spouses for rewarding careers in manufacturing. With backgrounds that often include significant experience in advanced technology, former service members are ideal candidates for manufacturing careers and poised to be natural leaders in the manufacturing industry.
For more information on this program, click here.
To support and promote your company’s efforts, ICPF has curated an array of recruitment and retention resources available for free on our website.
The Summit reinforced the message that manufacturers must take action as they face shifting workforce expectations, economic uncertainty, and rapid advances in technology. In this environment, collaboration is not optional – it is essential. ICPF is here to help every step of the way.
Thanks for your continued support. ICPF will continue to inform you of potential partnerships that can provide solutions to your workforce needs.
Thanks,
Caitlin Salaverria
ICPF President