MI Launches AI Skills Training for the Manufacturing Workforce 

Today, the MI launched the first courses of its AI Skills for Manufacturing Training Suite. These free, online courses will help current and future manufacturing workers develop the skills needed to understand and use AI as it becomes increasingly common in manufacturing operations. 

“Skilling the manufacturing workforce is core to the MI’s mission, and we are focused on expanding access to the skills manufacturers need most,” said MI President Carolyn Lee.  

• “The launch of our AI Skills for Manufacturing Training Suite is the logical continuation of our skills-based workforce solutions. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into manufacturing, workers need opportunities to build the skills and confidence to use these tools effectively.” 

Why it matters: AI is changing how work gets done across the manufacturing floor, from how workers solve problems to how manufacturers improve processes and make decisions. To use these technologies effectively, workers need a fundamental understanding of AI and how it applies to their jobs. 

• According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council (MLC), the digital transformation arm of the NAM, more than 50% of manufacturers already deploy AI in their operations. However, a study by the MI and PwC found that 82% say their employees lack the skills to use AI tools effectively. 

• Fewer than 20% of manufacturers currently offer any formal AI training, according to the MLC. 

As AI becomes part of the production floor, workers will need opportunities to build the skills to work with these technologies. Manufacturers do not need every employee to become an AI expert, but they do need workers who understand where AI can add value, how to use it responsibly and how to apply it to their work. 

The training: The training suite is free and self-paced, giving manufacturers a flexible way to make AI skills training available to their workforce. 

• AI Fundamentals for Manufacturing gives learners a practical introduction to AI, how it is used in manufacturing and where it can support work on the manufacturing floor, including safety, quality and efficiency. 

• AI Fundamentals+ for Manufacturing will follow later this year, moving from understanding AI to applying it in day-to-day manufacturing work. Learners will explore how AI can support decisions, collaboration, process improvement and problem-solving on the floor. 

Developed with manufacturing at the center, the training draws on the MI’s workforce expertise and insights from subject matter experts across the industry to reflect the technologies, applications and workplace realities manufacturers are seeing today. 

The MI’s goal is to reach 40,000 current and future manufacturing workers through the training. 

Get started: Start your AI Skills for Manufacturing training journey today as an individual learner, manufacturer, education providers, or association partner.  

• Visit the MI website to learn more and sign up to get updates on the MI’s AI Skills Initiative.