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Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

At SME, we are creating a holistic approach to manufacturing workforce 
development for the betterment of individuals, employers, and the country.

Join the Movement

SME Workforce Vision

Imagine a workforce development system that is as streamlined and efficient as a smart factory. At SME, we have. We are creating a diverse and qualified talent pool to meet workplace demand by stepping up our efforts and investments in launching innovative workforce solutions and partnering with manufacturers, educators, individuals, and workforce development agencies.

Impact Through Connections

It all starts with collaboration, one of our core values. To strengthen the manufacturing supply chain with technically skilled individuals, we are expanding on our own programs through involvement with hundreds of other like-minded organizations and educators to do more together, faster, to build our nation’s talent capacity and capabilities. The manufacturing skills gap is closing. See how 18,000 learners, 467 new courses, and 2,000 events are making an impact. Read the Report.

Think Nationally. Act Locally.

SME uses 90+ years of national and local action to build a systematic approach to workforce development that optimizes, amplifies, accelerates, and scales effective local initiatives and programs. With our unique national vantage point and experience along with local knowledge and partnerships, we are driving and sustaining manufacturing for economic growth and prosperity across North America. 

SME PRIME

SME PRIME® Readies Students

Discover the most comprehensive manufacturing and engineering program for high school students in the country.
Manufacturing Imperative- Workforce Pipeline Challenge

Data – Insights – Scalable Solutions

In partnership with 25 community colleges, MI-WPC is on a mission to increase manufacturing career enrollments by 1,000 new students per year per college—a bold strategy designed to produce 75,000 skilled workers in just three years.
Aligning Missions and Resources

Aligning Missions and Resources

SME and BlueForge Alliance are partnering to fill the critical gaps in the defense manufacturing workforce, bolstering our nation’s defense capabilities.

Workforce 2030 Readiness Assessment

The biggest challenge facing U.S. manufacturing today is the skilled workforce shortage which demands immediate and decisive action. Experts say that, if not addressed now, the crisis will dangerously accelerate in the next decade. To help companies address this issue, SME is offering this free Workforce 2030 Readiness Assessment. By answering a series of questions about your company’s knowledge retention, readiness for future skills requirements, and the status of employee development programs, you will be able to assess your ability to meet the rapidly approaching workforce challenges.

Innovation and Workforce Development

The manufacturing industry is seeing extraordinary operational transformation in the digital age. Now advanced technology is helping companies attract, develop, and retain talent. We can help support your workforce development strategies with training on core topics such as machining, welding and GD&T to artificial intelligence and automation.

Tooling-U SME Logo

Explore Tooling U-SME’s 600+ online classes, Virtual Labs, instructor-led training, apprenticeships, and consulting services.

Talent Supply to Match Workforce Demand

The industry and nation are at risk if we don’t revitalize the industry’s industrial base, grow the talent pipeline and enhance the skills and productivity of our workforce. SME is working with our partners to create an effective learning culture and accelerate workforce development. Together, we can build a robust talent supply to match critical workplace demand.

Workforce Development Chart

Latest SME Workforce News

Greenville Technical College Wins Inaugural SME Workforce Development Innovations Award

Greenville Technical College Wins Inaugural SME Workforce Development Innovation Award

This recognition highlights the college’s commitment to innovative workforce development that meets industry needs and prepares students.
The Soundtrack to Jeannine Kunz’s Career in Manufacturing

Don’t Stop Believing: The Soundtrack to Jeannine Kunz’s Career in Manufacturing

Jeannine sat down with Manufacturing Engineering's Editor-in-Chief, Steve Plumb, to discuss her vision for SME.
2024 Review: Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

2024 Review: Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

SME CEO Jeannine Kunz reflects on 2024 milestones, workforce innovations, and plans to empower manufacturing talent and industry success.

Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow

Join SME's Toni Neary each month for a new minicast series diving into the world of workforce development in manufacturing. Each episode offers quick, insightful interviews with industry leaders, success stories, event highlights, and resources to strengthen the future of the manufacturing workforce.

The Manufacturing Workforce Playbooks

Manufacturer Playbook

Highlights ways for manufacturers to engage, support and develop relationships with local schools, students, community and future workforce to drive competitiveness and resiliency, and to support our national security.
Workforce Educators Playbook

Educator Playbook

Provides ideas for educators approaching future students, instructors and administrators to create awareness and inspire interest in the viable, engaging and exciting careers available in manufacturing.

Attract, Develop, Retain

The future of manufacturing depends on a vibrant and skilled talent pipeline. SME engages students of all ages, building a qualified workforce of today and tomorrow.

Experienced Workforce Team

Our workforce team has over 200 years of experience. From former educators to economic development veterans, we have the expertise to develop solutions to your unique challenges and scale them for broad industry impact.

Join the Movement: Contact Us

If you have a successful workforce development program, we’d love to hear about it and share your good work. If you need ideas on how to optimize your workforce, please reach out.