AI Skills Training
Manufacturers know better than anyone how quickly technology is changing. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a larger part of modern manufacturing—from machine learning that improves predictive maintenance, to tools that optimize production and quality in real time.
While AI's impact is unfolding, waiting isn't an option. In fact, a key barrier to faster adoption is preparing manufacturing's frontline workforce with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-enabled future. After all, manufacturing in America is human-led.
Without these skills, manufacturers risk falling behind, while those who embrace AI will strengthen overall competitiveness. But manufacturers don't have to figure it out alone. The Manufacturing Institute is stepping forward to ensure workforce preparation keeps pace.
What We're Doing
The Manufacturing Institute is developing AI skills training designed primarily for frontline manufacturing employees. This training will provide contextual applications for AI in manufacturing so that production workers can attain the skills they need to adapt as companies deploy AI technologies.
Our goal is simple: to help manufacturers upskill their workforce with the basic fundamentals of AI in a way that is accessible, relevant, and immediately applicable.
AI 101 for Manufacturing
This training will be designed to build practical AI skills across the current and future frontline workforce. The course will be available at no cost and will contextualize existing AI training from Google specifically for the manufacturing environment.
This training will be available to manufacturing companies and their employees through an online learning platform, and to education partners that are preparing individuals to enter the manufacturing workforce.
AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians
In addition to the AI 101 for Manufacturing, the MI is developing a curriculum that will augment our existing training for advanced manufacturing technicians and other high-skill, shopfloor roles. This course is designed to help technical experts apply and unlock AI’s potential.
The MI will provide this specific pathway through Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), its Advanced Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship-style training program.
In addition to the training courses, the MI will:
Increase industry awareness of AI's practical applications and business impact, helping manufacturers better understand where and how to adopt these tools.
Expand access to training by growing the FAME network into new regions, ensuring more employers and workers can benefit from these critical skills.
Addressing The Gaps
According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, more than 50% of manufacturers already use AI in their operations, but key gaps show that this technology is not being used to its full potential. The Manufacturing Institute's AI training will directly close these gaps and accelerate meaningful adoption across the industry:
of companies report their employees lack the skills to leverage AI effectively. The MI is equipping current and future workers with practical, role-specific AI capabilities through AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians—building the foundational skills needed to apply AI on the shop floor. Currently, just 19% of manufacturers currently offer any AI-related training, according to research by the MI and PwC.
of frontline supervisors use AI in any capacity. Through targeted training pathways and integration into programs like FAME, the MI is preparing frontline leaders to confidently implement and scale AI in day-to-day operations. Frontline leaders should be role models in AI adoption, especially as, according to MI and PwC research, 72% report that employees who are comfortable with existing systems are resistant to AI adoption.
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Why the Manufacturing Institute
As the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is uniquely prepared to tackle manufacturers' AI readiness head-on. The MI has a proven track record of changing narratives and closing skills gaps in critical areas, from training essential high skilled workers to elevating leaders in manufacturing to connecting employers with military talent. No organization is better positioned to prepare the manufacturing workforce by developing real-world use cases, contextualizing learning for the shop floor, and deliver it at scale.
This work is possible thanks to Google.org, whose funding and partnership supports the MI's work to develop this initiative.