The Manufacturing Institute

05/07/2026

Michelle Barnhart knows firsthand that disabled workers can thrive in and contribute to manufacturing firms—she is living proof of it.

Not only did manufacturing give her a first shot at a rewarding career as a high school grad, but it gave her another opportunity for success after an injury off the job left her paralyzed.

Today, Michelle is an HR Manager at The Timken Company and a 2026 STEP Ahead Emerging Leader, helping create a stronger, more accessible future for manufacturing.

Read her story: https://hubs.li/Q04fqJ8_0

05/05/2026

Manufacturers, are you making the most of MFG Day?

Manufacturing Day is one of the most powerful tools a manufacturer can use to build community connections, shift perceptions and grow a local talent pipeline—but the impact of a single open door can last far beyond a single day.

At our upcoming Solution Series event, seasoned hosts will share how they make MFG Day work year after year, creating experiences that resonate with students and educators as part of their long-term workforce pipeline development.

You'll walk away with:
✅ Real examples of partnership-building strategies from experienced MFG Day hosts
✅ Actionable planning and logistics insights from manufacturers who have refined their approach
✅ Proven ideas for turning a one-day event into a long-term workforce development asset

Learn more and register: https://hubs.li/Q04f2hCc0

05/01/2026

We’re proud to recognize Amatrol Inc. as the Diamond Sponsor of the 2026 FAME National Conference!

As a valued FAME USA partner and a global leader in technical education, Amatrol is helping strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled manufacturing talent and expand access to world-class training resources. Thank you, Amatrol, for your continued commitment to the future of manufacturing workforce development.

Read more about our partnership: https://hubs.li/Q049SGHT0

04/30/2026

For Toyotetsu Texas and JBM Packaging, second chance hiring does more than just help their communities—it’s a strategic response to a business need.

In recognition of Second Chance Awareness Month, we convened manufacturing leaders to discuss the business case for second chance hiring and what it really takes for these programs to succeed.

Read their takeaways: https://hubs.li/Q04f1wj50

04/29/2026

At the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, manufacturing’s brightest leaders took center stage, celebrating both their achievements and the pathways they are creating for the next generation to follow.

The gala, held last week in Washington, D.C., honored 145 exceptional leaders in the manufacturing industry who were nominated by their peers. These awardees, including 100 leaders (“Honorees”), 30 rising stars (“Emerging Leaders”) and 15 allies (“Champions”), serve as living proof of what’s possible in a manufacturing career.

By celebrating their stories, we help reshape perceptions of the industry and showcase the wide array of talent that powers it.

Read more:

At the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, manufacturing’s most inspiring leaders took center stage to celebrate their achievements and the pathways they are creating for the next generation. A night to remember…

04/24/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards recipients! We’re proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and the lasting impact you’re making across the industry. By sharing your stories, you're inspiring the next generation to lead, innovate and shape the future of manufacturing.

04/16/2026

ICYMI: The Manufacturing Institute is now accepting breakout session proposals for the 2026 Workforce Summit, happening October 26–28 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We’re looking for sessions that spotlight proven workforce solutions, from upskilling and culture-building to skills-based hiring and other approaches delivering measurable impact.

If your team has developed a strategy worth sharing, this is an opportunity to put it in front of a national audience of manufacturing leaders, workforce experts and industry changemakers.

Submit your proposal by April 30: https://hubs.li/Q049SLMC0

04/15/2026

Attracting and retaining talent has continued to be a top business concern for manufacturers. The MI's latest survey reveals that manufacturers are mitigating this challenge with increased workforce investment.

Read the full report here: https://hubs.li/Q04c6RD20

04/13/2026

With AI rapidly becoming part of modern manufacturing, manufacturers without AI-ready workforces risk falling behind. That's why the MI is stepping forward to help manufacturers bring AI skills to their production workforce.

The MI announced today that we are developing two AI skills training courses for shopfloor workers: AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians. To expand the reach of this training, we will also launch new FAME chapters in at least 15 new regions while embedding AI training across all existing FAME chapters, developing pipelines of AI-skilled advanced maintenance technicians across the nation.

With our proven track record of changing narratives and closing skills gaps in critical areas, the MI is ready to help manufacturers upskill their workforce to secure their competitiveness in an AI-driven future.

This work is possible thanks to Google.org, whose funding and partnership supports the MI's work to develop this initiative.

Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04bPjzD0

04/07/2026

This Second Chance Awareness Month, discover how second chance hiring strengthens both people and manufacturing! Join us for a special Solution Series event exploring how and why manufacturers should build second chance hiring into their long term workforce strategies.

Hear directly from an employee several years into his second chance career and from manufacturers Toyotetsu Texas and JBM Packaging as they share how strong support systems, workplace culture and community partnerships help individuals build stable, long-term careers.

📅 April 15, 2026, 1:00–2:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual Event
🔗 Register today: https://hubs.li/Q046yWQ60

04/03/2026

AI has significant potential to improve manufacturing safety, quality, productivity and decision-making, but its success will depend on how effectively frontline leaders integrate AI into daily work.

A new report from the Manufacturing Institute and PwC, “From skepticism to integration: Frontline leadership in manufacturing AI adoption,” explores this dynamic in depth. Based on insights from leaders across operations, HR and executive roles, the report presents a current view of AI adoption across the frontline and highlights what's needed to further successful integration.

For manufacturers, the key takeaway is clear: strengthening frontline leadership is not only essential for AI adoption, but central to realizing AI’s full operational and workforce impact.

Explore the full insights:

A PwC and Manufacturing Institute survey shows how frontline leadership shapes manufacturing AI adoption, and where readiness, trust and training gaps remain.