Skill up: Manufacturers working to educate and inspire new workers

Attracting and educating skilled manufacturing workers remains a top challenge for industry companies. According to preliminary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in manufacturing for August handed at 462,000 unfilled jobs, only slightly down from over half a million at this time last year. That’s why manufacturers are partnering with colleges, other manufacturers, and coffee merchants to educate and build up new employees. This article showcases a few recent examples of how companies are manufacturing the manufacturing workforce.

Dematic has announced recipients for its 2025 Dematic FIRST Scholarship program. The program for recognizing talented STEM students moving into undergraduate education will provide 10 students with $1,000 scholarships and give two more $5,000. For eligibility, the winners each had to attend either a FIRST robotics competition or technology challenge and submit an application.

Sarah Milligan, one of the students receiving a $5,000 award, said in a statement the scholarship would help her afford an education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, an out-of-state school for Milligan. “Dematic’s scholarship program further pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and conduct primary research, strengthening my research and communication skills.”

Saginaw Valley State University, Central Michigan University, and Saginaw Intermedia School District among other regional entities announced a new partnership, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Association, meant to increase student exposure and interest in central Michigan manufacturing careers.

“The Great Lakes Bay Region announcement today shows that by acting now, Michigan can ensure its students aren’t just prepared for high-demand careers but are inspired to build their futures here, in the communities previous generations helped shape,” MiSTEM Network Executive Director Megan Schrauben said in a statement.

The University of New Haven announced a new scholarship program with Microboard and PTA Plastics to support students studying engineering and technology. In a joint statement, leaders from the two companies and the university characterized the program as a strategic investment in a future workforce and a sign of deepening ties between the university and area corporations. “Sponsoring an engineering scholarship at the University of New Haven is more than a gift,” said Mike Rocheleau, executive VP of PTA Plastics. “It’s an investment in the innovators who will shape our future.”

Apple Inc. opened its Detroit, Michigan Apple Manufacturing Academy in August to provide workshops for technology in manufacturing. The Academy, formed in partnership with Michigan State University, hosts free in-person sessions for small and medium manufacturers about using machine learning, automation, and quality data in the manufacturing field.

In a statement, Apple COO Sabih Khan said, “Apple works with suppliers in all 50 states because we know advanced manufacturing is vital to American innovation and leadership. With this new programming, we’re thrilled to help even more businesses implement smart manufacturing so they can unlock amazing opportunities for their companies and our country.”

ShopFloor Coffee, The Manufacturing Institute and the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME USA) announced earlier this month they would partner up to donate 20% of ShopFloor Coffee’s proceeds to workforce development organizations. FAME USA, which helps manufacturing workers earn associates degrees while working, will get a cut, as will the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation and Metallica’s charitable foundation, All Within My Hands. In a statement, ShopFloor Coffee co-founder Mike Franz said, “This isn’t just about better coffee in breakrooms. It’s about waking people up to the power of American manufacturing and the programs, like FAME USA, that keep it strong.”