Workforce News

For many manufacturers, the learning management system is something employees click through once during onboarding and rarely open again. But what if that system could become the backbone of your long-term workforce development? 

That’s the question behind one of this year’s Workforce Summit breakout sessions hosted by the Manufacturing Institute, and it offers a preview of the practical strategies attendees can expect at this year’s event. 

The big idea: From LMS to Workforce Engine: Scaling Manufacturing Talent Through Digital Learning Pathways explores how Miles Fiberglass & Composites and the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) built a blended training model, combining digital and in-person learning. The result is onboarding and upskilling systems that are more accessible, consistent and scalable. 

Beyond describing a blended training model, the session demonstrates how manufacturers can intentionally connect internal expertise with external partners to create learning ecosystems that evolve alongside business needs. The goal is to build a culture where learning is continuous, accessible, and supported—not confined to individual training events. 

• Through guided self-evaluation exercises and small group discussions, participants get hands-on practice improving their own workforce training models. 

• The session draws on the expertise of Lori Miles-Olund, Owner and President of Miles Fiberglass & Composites, who also serves on the Board of the National Association of Manufacturers and Kyle Jordan, Director of Certifications at ACMA. 

The takeaways:  

• How to combine digital learning, hands-on instruction and certification into one training system. 

• How to leverage an LMS as one component of a broader workforce development ecosystem that supports continuous learning. 

• Steps for building blended learning models that work for both workers and operations. 

Why it matters: Training employees at scale is a persistent challenge, especially across growing or dispersed sites where in-person options can disrupt production. This session explores scalable, adaptable approaches that meet workers’ growing demand for flexible, self-directed learning. 

• Scalable solutions are what this Summit’s theme, Skills at Scale: Delivering America’s Competitive Advantage, is all about. The Summit’s many breakout sessions highlight workforce capabilities manufacturers need to grow and compete. 

Who should attend: As a “Foundational level” breakout, this session is ideal for attendees who are just getting started in workforce development. Training managers, HR and workforce leaders and operations professionals benefit from its actionable content, while manufacturing leadership learns the business case for modern training approaches. 

Join the conversation: This session is part of a larger conversation at the 2026 Workforce Summit, October 26-28, in Indianapolis, IN. Register today to be part of the dialogue shaping the future manufacturing workforce. 

• See the full agenda and learn more on our website.