Workforce in Focus
Sourcing Solutions – The 2023 MI Workforce Summit
The MI convened almost 300 manufacturers, partners from education and training groups, philanthropy leaders and representatives from community-based organizations to tackle manufacturers’ workforce challenges in Atlanta last month.
The economic backdrop: The persistently tight labor market, underpinned by structural demographic constraints, will pose challenges for manufacturers in the coming years. Manufacturers will need innovative solutions to attract and retain the best talent.
Energizing connections: The summit offered opportunities for participants to learn from each other and form productive bonds.
- Organizations including the Georgia Association of Manufacturers, Siemens Foundation and River Parishes Community College sent leaders to facilitate conversations and share insights, while the generous support of WestRock, the Arconic Foundation and many others made the event possible.
- In breakout sessions, MI experts analyzed the key challenges facing manufacturers and shared proven workforce solutions like high school internships, female mentorship programs and regional sector partnerships.
Fresh insights: The two-day event was brimming with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Here is a brief sampling of the topics covered:
- People: The speakers highlighted manufacturers’ work to create positive company cultures, prioritize flexibility and address challenges like the shortage of child care and engaging with the next generation. Maj. Gen. Kris Belanger also shared the importance of tapping into military talent pools like the U.S. Army Reserve. Programs like the MI’s Heroes MAKE America are making these important connections.
- Skills: To meet their needs for skilled workers, manufacturers are collaborating with the MI, economic development boards and educational institutions to train the current and next generations of manufacturing employees. Workshop sessions showcased solutions like the MI’s FAME USA program and second chance hiring initiative.
- Processes: Conversations in the popular “Brewing Solutions” rooms focused on ways manufacturers and workforce partners could tap into hidden populations, create attractive working environments and address policy barriers that restrict the adoption of innovative solutions.
