@MFGday empowers thousands of manufacturers to open their doors every October, demonstrating the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers to their communities. But a standout MFG Day event doesn't happen overnight.
Join us online next Wednesday, May 20, for a peer-driven conversation on planning a successful MFG Day. At this special crossover Solution Series, we'll cover how to build and sustain school and community partnerships, plan an engaging attendee experience, capture event impact and carry the momentum past a single day.
When done right, MFG Day more than just an event. It's the foundation of a talent pipeline that works for your facility for years to come.
Learn more and register on our website.
Michelle Barnhart knows firsthand that disabled workers can thrive in and contribute to manufacturing firms—she is living proof of it.
Not only did manufacturing give her a first shot at a rewarding career as a high school grad, but it gave her another opportunity for success after an injury off the job left her paralyzed.
Today, Michelle is an HR Manager at @thetimkencompany and a 2026 STEP Ahead Emerging Leader, helping create a stronger, more accessible future for manufacturing.
Read her story on our website.
Manufacturers, are you making the most of MFG Day?
@MFGday is one of the most powerful tools a manufacturer can use to build community connections, shift perceptions and grow a local talent pipeline—but the impact of a single open door can last far beyond a single day.
At our upcoming Solution Series event, seasoned hosts will share how they make MFG Day work year after year, creating experiences that resonate with students and educators as part of their long-term workforce pipeline development.
You'll walk away with:
✅ Real examples of partnership-building strategies from experienced MFG Day hosts
✅ Actionable planning and logistics insights from manufacturers who have refined their approach
✅ Proven ideas for turning a one-day event into a long-term workforce development asset
Learn more and register on our website.
At the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, manufacturing’s brightest leaders took center stage, celebrating both their achievements and the pathways they are creating for the next generation to follow.
The gala, held last week in Washington, D.C., honored 145 exceptional leaders in the manufacturing industry who were nominated by their peers. These awardees, including 100 leaders (“Honorees”), 30 rising stars (“Emerging Leaders”) and 15 allies (“Champions”), serve as living proof of what’s possible in a manufacturing career.
By celebrating their stories, we help reshape perceptions of the industry and showcase the wide array of talent that powers it.
Congratulations to this year's awardees!
Congratulations to the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards recipients! We’re proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and the lasting impact you’re making across the industry. By sharing your stories, you're inspiring the next generation to lead, innovate and shape the future of manufacturing.
Attracting and retaining talent has continued to be a top business concern for manufacturers. The MI's latest survey reveals that manufacturers are mitigating this challenge with increased workforce investment.
💸 Manufacturers are currently spending $31.9 billion annually on internal and external training programs for new and existing manufacturing employees, up from $26.2 billion in 2019.
📈 A majority (54.4%) of respondents said that they are increasing workforce training efforts for new and existing workers compared to this time last year.
💡On average, new U.S. employees receive 47.6 hours of in-house and external training, an increase from 42.9 hours in 2019.
When it comes to addressing the workforce crisis, manufacturers are taking the lead, building stronger pipelines to address the needs of their business and workers.
Read the full report on our website.
With AI rapidly becoming part of modern manufacturing, manufacturers without AI-ready workforces risk falling behind. That's why the MI is stepping forward to help manufacturers bring AI skills to their production workforce.
The MI announced today that we are developing two AI skills training courses for shopfloor workers: AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians. To expand the reach of this training, we will also launch new FAME chapters in at least 15 new regions while embedding AI training across all existing FAME chapters, developing pipelines of AI-skilled advanced maintenance technicians across the nation.
With our proven track record of changing narratives and closing skills gaps in critical areas, the MI is ready to help manufacturers upskill their workforce to secure their competitiveness in an AI-driven future.
This work is possible thanks to Google.org, whose funding and partnership supports the MI's work to develop this initiative.
Learn more on our website at /ai-skills-training/
This Second Chance Awareness Month, discover how second chance hiring strengthens both people and manufacturing! Join us for a special Solution Series event exploring how and why manufacturers should build second chance hiring into their long term workforce strategies.
Hear directly from an employee several years into his second chance career and from manufacturers Toyotetsu Texas and JBM Packaging as they share how strong support systems, workplace culture and community partnerships help individuals build stable, long-term careers.
📅 April 15, 2026, 1:00–2:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual Event
🔗 Register today: /events/a-new-start-a-stronger-workforce/
AI has significant potential to improve manufacturing safety, quality, productivity and decision-making, but its success will depend on how effectively frontline leaders integrate AI into daily work.
A new report from the Manufacturing Institute and PwC, “From skepticism to integration: Frontline leadership in manufacturing AI adoption,” explores this dynamic in depth. Based on insights from leaders across operations, HR and executive roles, the report presents a current view of AI adoption across the frontline and highlights what's needed to further successful integration.
For manufacturers, the key takeaway is clear: strengthening frontline leadership is not only essential for AI adoption, but central to realizing AI’s full operational and workforce impact.
We are proud to announce that @saintgobainnorthamerica will be the platinum sponsor for MFG Day 2026!
On MFG Day (October 2), Saint-Gobain will welcome local high school students to its Peachtree City CertainTeed plant in Georgia for guided facility tours, hands-on STEM activities and direct engagement with plant employees and manufacturing professionals.
This event will headline the larger #MFGDay26 grassroots movement to spark genuine career interest by connecting students with the people and places driving modern manufacturing.
Have you built, refined or scaled a workforce solution that delivers real results? Share it with the leaders shaping the future of manufacturing!
The Manufacturing Institute is accepting breakout session proposals for the 2026 Workforce Summit, taking place October 26–28 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re seeking proposals that showcase proven workforce strategies such as upskilling, culture-building and skills-based hiring. Selected presenters will share their insights with a national audience of industry leaders, innovators and workforce practitioners.
Your experience and insights can strengthen the conversation and drive the future of manufacturing.
Learn more and submit your proposal by April 30: /events/2026-workforce-summit/?section=call-for-proposals
The MI is here to help manufacturers access to a skilled, resilient talent pipeline amid workforce shortages and rapid technological change.
From recruiting military excellence through Heroes MAKE America to developing highly-skilled talent through FAME, the MI works hand-in-hand with manufacturers to address the industry's most enduring challenges.
"Solutions like these work. And they’re addressing the structural challenges we have long faced—as we aren’t just training workers; we are building a stable, world-class talent pipeline," said MI President Carolyn Lee in the State of the U.S. Manufacturing Workforce Address.
