Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (December 4) – Today, the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced two outstanding manufacturing leaders will serve as chair and vice chair of the MI’s STEP Ahead Awards. Biogen Executive Vice…

Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) – Today, Manufacturing Institute Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for a hearing on “Registered Apprenticeship: Scaling the Workforce for the Future.” In his testimony,…

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (October 20, 2025)—Today, the GE Aerospace Foundation announced a $500,000 commitment to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative. The grant will fund the creation of a new accelerated Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification…

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 3, 2025) —Yesterday, the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—kicked off Manufacturing Month in North Carolina with the MFG Day 2025 flagship event at Novonesis’ North American headquarters in Franklinton.…

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2025) – Today, the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced Amatrol as an official sponsor of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education USA. FAME USA, an…

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19) —This week, the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative showcased Johnson & Johnson at its “Military to Manufacturing” Career Fair at Fort Bragg. National manufacturing leaders opened the career fair with a special presentation from Johnson…

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 15) – The Manufacturing Institute’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME USA), the premier American model of manufacturing skills training, has announced a new partnership with ShopFloor Coffee, a mission-driven coffee brand that supports skilled trades and manufacturing…

Washington, D.C. (August 15) – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced today that Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, will serve as the platinum sponsor for the MI’s MFG Day (Manufacturing Day) 2025.…

Washington, D.C. (7/29/25) – In response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14278, which calls for a bold modernization of the federal workforce system and expansion of employer-led apprenticeship opportunities, the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate…

Wichita, Kansas –The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, hosted an informative luncheon about the new Heroes MAKE America Airframe and Powerplant prep training. Launched to bridge the gap between the military…

Washington, D.C.–The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2025 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all…

Washington, D.C.–This week, the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, unveiled an interactive STEM experience to increase early career awareness about the opportunities available in manufacturing and inspire the next…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte’s new report, “Taking charge: Manufacturers support growth with active workforce strategies,” examines the workforce challenges that manufacturers are facing as well as the investment and skills likely required to drive continued growth across…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced today that Atlas Copco Group has committed $10,000 to the MI’s Women MAKE America 35×30 campaign. This contribution will support the MI’s work to…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—in partnership with Colonial Life, released a report on how manufacturers can optimize their recruitment and retention efforts for military-connected talent. The report highlights…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced today that Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President of Resource Industries, will serve as chair of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards. The…

Washington, D.C. 10/12/2023 – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—has announced The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (“Manitowoc”) as a Bronze sponsor of its Heroes MAKE America initiative. The investment will support the growth…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Cognizant, released a study that examined the different approaches manufacturers take in making investment decisions. “As manufacturers continue to…

Washington, D.C., 9/25/2023 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Colonial Life, released a study on the role of company culture and employee engagement in attracting and retaining…

Washington, D.C., 8/28/23 – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—in partnership with FORVIS, has released a study investigating differences in attracting and retaining talent in rural versus urban areas. The study identifies…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced Atlas Copco as a silver sponsor of its Heroes MAKE America initiative. The investment will support the growth and expansion…

Washington, D.C. – This evening, the Manufacturing Institute presented 130 women with the 2023 Women MAKE Awards, which recognize women in the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership within their companies and communities. This national honor identifies the best of the…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/1/23 – Today, the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2023 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/18/23 – Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced today that Cornerstone Building Brands President and CEO Rose Lee will serve as the chair of the 2023 Women MAKE…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Rockwell Automation and PTC software, released a forward-looking study on where the manufacturing sector will be headed over the…

Washington, D.C. – Today, The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced a new program to support the transition of U.S. military personnel into civilian employment in the modern manufacturing industry, with Walmart providing…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 05/18/22 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Colonial Life, released a study on manufacturers attracting and retaining workers and how it has changed industry compensation…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/1/22 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announces the recipients for the 2022 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards. From the factory floor to the C-suite,…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/25/21 – Union Pacific Railroad and The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—today announced the introduction of Future Creators, a first-of-its-kind digital education program giving middle school students an opportunity to…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/13/21 – The Manufacturing Institute announced Dominion Energy as an Advocate Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to promote manufacturing to…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/21 – The Manufacturing Institute announced UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) as an Advocate Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to promote…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/21 – The Manufacturing Institute (MI) announced Emergent BioSolutions as an Ally Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to promote manufacturing…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/21 – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced Walmart as an Ally Sponsor of Manufacturing Day 2021 (MFG Day 2021). Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/21 – The Manufacturing Institute announced Honeywell as a State Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to promote manufacturing to students,…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/30/21 – The Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research and national CPA and advisory firm BKD released results from their fall survey of small and medium-sized manufacturers. This semiannual survey looks at workforce impacts and the “new normal”…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/28/21 – The Manufacturing Institute announced Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) as an Advocate Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to promote…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/23/21 – The Manufacturing Institute announced the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) as an Industry Sponsor of MFG Day 2021. Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day includes focused events to…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 08/18/21 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Bexar County’s Department of Economic and Community Development and Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning & Programs, will…

WASHINGTON — The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced today an ambitious new reskilling initiative that uses virtual reality to prepare transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses for careers in…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 07/15/21 – The Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research partnered with the American Psychological Association to examine best practices for worker retention among manufacturers and explore the factors that affect retention. Featuring both leadership and worker perspectives, the…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 07/13/21 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced today the recipients of the 2021 STEP (science, technology, engineering and production) Ahead Awards. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 06/23/21 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, in collaboration with the University of Florida Center for Public Interest Communications, has published “Protecting the People Who Make America,” a…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Charles Koch Institute focused on expanding second chance hiring opportunities in the manufacturing industry. “With more than half a million open jobs right now in manufacturing and 4…

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—released a new study detailing how increasing deployment of the fifth generation of cellular wireless technology will empower manufacturers and their workers. The study…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/17/21 The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announces a $2.25 million grant from the Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc., to support and expand the work of…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 02/11/21 – The Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research and national CPA and advisory firm BKD released results from their first survey of small and medium-sized manufacturers. Manufacturing leaders were asked to describe the “new normal” for operations…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 01/28/21 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced today a three-year partnership with Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) to shrink the workforce gender gap by inspiring more women…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/24/20 – The Manufacturing Institute’s 8th annual STEP Ahead Awards program will recognize tonight 130 women leaders who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers in science, technology, engineering and production. These extraordinary women are leading the…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/05/20 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, today announced a wave of staffing expansions ahead of the historic, nationwide “Creators Wanted” campaign unveiled last month in Washington, D.C. “Creators Wanted” is…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/02/20 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, today announced the recipients for the 2020 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 01/17/20 – Based on the results of a new survey by The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers are estimated to have spent at least $26.2 billion in 2019 on internal and external training…

HUNTSVILLE, AL, 09/10/19 – The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, and Toyota Motor North America announced today a partnership to transition operation and stewardship of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program, created by…

WASHINGTON, DC, 04/12/19 – The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced a partnership between the Institute’s STEP Women’s Initiative and POLITICO’s Women Rule for a series of upcoming events to highlight the opportunities…

WASHINGTON, DC, 04/12/19 – The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America joined forces for the second year in a row to introduce students to 21st-century modern manufacturing…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/01/19 – The Manufacturing Institute announced that Keira Lombardo, executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance for Smithfield Foods, Inc., will serve as this year’s chair of the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards. In…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/14/18 – The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Institute has announced Samsung will be the Founding Sponsor of its Heroes MAKE America service member training program. The investment—the largest in the program to date—will bolster significantly the continued expansion of the…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/14/18 – As growth in the U.S. economy continues and manufacturers create more and more jobs in a thriving sector, the industry’s pre-existing workforce crisis could get even worse, according to a new 2018 skills gap study, released today by Deloitte…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 05/11/18 – The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Institute today announced that Manufacturing Day (MFG) 2018 will occur on October 5 with expected record-breaking turnout. This year, MFG Day will focus on one of the biggest problems manufacturers…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 05/10/18 – Two leading organizations for women in the U.S. manufacturing sector are collaborating to combat challenges and seize opportunities for women in the industry. The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Program and the Women in…

Washington, D.C., 04/11/18  – The Manufacturing Institute last night presented 130 women with the 2018 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award, which recognizes women in manufacturing who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honor identifies the best…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 04/04/18 – The Manufacturing Institute and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have partnered around the Institute’s 2018 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards on April 10 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/16/18 – The Manufacturing Institute’s veterans training program, Heroes MAKE America, graduated its inaugural class at Fort Riley, Kansas, and announced plans to expand the program to additional military installations beginning with Fort Hood. Heroes MAKE America is a full-time…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/12/18 – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Institute today released a new paper advancing a solution for increased employer leadership and investment in earn and learn pathways, including apprenticeships, internship programs,…

WASHINGTON, D.C.,  01/04/18 – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) announced that Seema Pajula, vice chairman and U.S. consumer and industrial products leader of Deloitte & Touche, has been named to the NAM Board of Directors. Pajula will join the NAM…

ST. PAUL, MINN., 12/11/17 – The Manufacturing Institute, 3M and Deloitte brought together 130 women in manufacturing for a day-long event, STEP Forward: Twin Cities, packed with leadership development sessions, networking, facility tours and roundtable discussions. STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production)…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/07/17 – On Thursday, December 7, The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with Arconic Foundation, Sealed Air Corporation, and BDO, will bring Military to Manufacturing, a nationwide forum and talent recruitment effort, to Charlotte. The effort takes aim at America’s…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/10/17 – Over the next decade, a report by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte estimates that manufacturers will be unable to fill two million open positions due to the skills gap. Military veterans have the skills and leadership training…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/23/17 – Today, The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with the Student Research Foundation and SkillsUSA, released a report identifying the characteristics of experiences that impact student career choices. The purpose of the survey was to inspire dialogue between parents, educators,…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/16/17 – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons will serve on its Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. “President Donald Trump knows that generations of Americans saddled with…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/04/17 – On Oct. 4, the National Association of Manufacturers’ affiliate, The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with Arconic Foundation, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Washburn Institute of Technology take aim at America’s manufacturing talent shortage by bringing a…

WASHINGTON, D.C., WASHINGTON, 07/11/17 – Manufacturers committed to training partnerships and new models to grow their workforce came together today at Manufacturing Workforce 4.0, a symposium on skills for the new economy hosted by The Manufacturing Institute. Influential manufacturing executives and thought…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 07/13/17 –   Today, the Institute and Deloitte released the full report on the 2017 Public Perception of Manufacturing Survey.  Manufacturing clearly matters to many Americans, with the vast majority viewing US manufacturing as crucial to America’s economic prosperity, standard…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 06/21/17 – Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta spoke at the National Association of Manufacturers Summit in Washington, D.C. this morning highlighting the importance of manufacturers’ role in efforts to close the skills gap for the U.S. economy. With 2 million…

WASHINGTON, D.C., 06/07/17 – Today, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) named Carolyn Lee executive director of The Manufacturing Institute, the industry’s premier authority for objective research, education and workforce solutions. With modern manufacturing diversifying, transforming and charting new frontiers, Lee…

WASHINGTON, DC, 05/11/17 – The vast majority of surveyed Americans believe manufacturing plays a vital role in safeguarding U.S. economic prosperity and maintaining their quality of life, according to the 2017 Manufacturing Perceptions Survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. The study found…

WASHINGTON, DC, 04/20/17 – Today, The Manufacturing Institute will honor 130 women with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.  The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each honoree’s story,…

WASHINGTON, DC, 02/25/15 – Today, the Institute, in partnership with Deloitte, released two new parallel studies — “The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing: 2015 and Beyond” and “Overwhelming Support: U.S. public opinions on the manufacturing industry”. The United States faces a need for nearly 3.5…

Washington, DC, 02/24/15 –  Today, the Institute, in partnership with Pricewaterhouse Coopers, released a new report, “The Internet of Things: what it means for US manufacturing.” The world is hurtling into an era of deep data inter-connectivity. The report surveyed US…