MI-WPC brings together the entire manufacturing ecosystem including college, local industry, state and local government and workforce organizations. As part of this national network, you gain access to proven strategies, actionable data, and collaborative partnerships that drive enrollment growth, strengthen employer engagement, and expand and grow the manufacturing footprint. The results speak for themselves, over 48,000 students in manufacturing programs across 30+ institutions.

Membership Benefits: 

• National Workforce Intelligence
  Access exclusive research, benchmarking data, and industry insights to better understand workforce trends, skills demand, and opportunities for program growth.
• Powerful Peer Network
  Collaborate with college leaders, manufacturing employers, and workforce professionals across the country to share best practices and scale successful initiatives.
• Industry-Aligned Program Support
  Strengthen and modernize manufacturing programs with resources, credentials, and strategies designed to meet evolving workforce needs.
• Recruitment & Marketing Resources
  Utilize proven campaigns, messaging frameworks, and outreach tools to increase awareness, attract students, and grow enrollment.
• Measurable Results & Continuous Improvement
  Track progress, demonstrate impact, and leverage performance data to support strategic planning, funding opportunities, and long-term growth

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Workforce National Impact Report

Manufacturing is the backbone of America’s economy, and sustaining its future requires coordinated action across education, industry, and community partners. The MI-WPC Manufacturing Workforce Impact Report highlights key trends, outcomes, and progress in closing the manufacturing skills gap.

In its second year, MI-WPC expanded its national workforce development network by adding three new states and six new colleges—now impacting more than 30 communities nationwide. This growth has increased awareness of modern manufacturing careers and driven enrollment in high-quality manufacturing education and workforce training programs.

Highlights of the Impact Report:

• Nearly 48,000 students enrolled in manufacturing programs
• 4,715 career awareness events hosted
• 32 partner colleges across 21 states

Explore the full report to learn how MI-WPC is strengthening the U.S. manufacturing workforce pipeline and supporting long-term industry growth.

Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program Success Story: Wake Tech

In July 2025, Wake Tech launched an innovative apprenticeship program in partnership with leading life sciences employers CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, and Eli Lilly and Company. The eight-month Biomechatronics training program prepares advanced maintenance technicians for high-demand roles. Following completion, participants transition directly into paid, full-time on-the-job training with one of the partner companies.

Apprenticeship expansion has become a strategic focus for Wake Tech. In 2024, 150 companies employed 500 apprentices through Wake Tech Apprenticeship—up from just 20 employers and 100 apprentices four years earlier—demonstrating the scalability and employer value of industry-driven earn-and-learn models.