EMILY STOVER DEROCCO PRESIDENT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE The U.S. Perspective on a Talented Workforce Our Agenda for U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness Education Reform & Workforce Development Innovation Support & Services Research

An Educated and Skilled Workforce In these tough economic times, business innovation is a strategic imperative. A highly skilled and educated workforce is the most critical element for innovation success. “I advise each of my staff that every worker hired is a million- dollar investment…We can’t afford to make a mistake…hiring someone with the right skills is the difference between a good investment and a high-risk.” Workforce Quality Innovation Performance

The Challenges Even at the height of the global recession, 32% of surveyed companies reported moderate to serious skills shortages in the hiring pool. Contributing to our workforce challenges are: o Technological advances in modern manufacturing require more advanced skill sets. o Major deficits in our education system hamper U.S. competitiveness on the world stage: our global competitors continue to surpass our educational system in producing a high-volume, high-quality technical workforce. o Demographics: We face a graying workforce coupled with a shrinking pipeline. Although retirements slowed during this recession, they will pick up again once companies “right their economic boats.” o The Image of Manufacturing: There is a major misperception that manufacturing is “dark, dirty, and dangerous.” Only 3 out of 10 surveyed parents would encourage their children to pursue careers in manufacturing.

Providing competency-based, customized education and training for the manufacturing workforce…today and tomorrow.

Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model Ready for Work, Ready for College Entry Level Industry Certifications Occupation-Specific Certifications Career Paths – Life Long Learning High Quality Middle Class Jobs

The Return on Investment Nationally-portable, industry-recognized certifications verify that your job applicants have: Foundational Skills e.g. Reading, Science, Math, and Applied Technology Workplace Competencies e.g. Teamwork, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Integrity, and Creativity Manufacturing Fundamentals e.g. Health & Safety, Lean & Green, Process Development & Design, Maintenance, Quality, Production.

A LIGNING E DUCATION, C ERTIFICATION AND C AREER P ATHWAYS Industrial Systems Technology, Forsyth Tech., Greensboro, North Carolina

Deployment and National Scope “Deep Dive” Deployment North Carolina Texas Ohio Washington Industry Leadership for Deployment Alabama Arkansas ConnecticutFlorida IllinoisIndiana Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Maryland MinnesotaMichigan MississippiMissouri NebraskaNevada New York Pennsylvania Wisconsin

◦ Endorse the systemic approach ◦ Encourage and lead manufacturing education alignment in their state ◦ Implement the credentials within corporate hiring process  Encouraged for hiring  Preferred for hiring  Required for hiring ◦ Implement for incumbent workers, where appropriate ◦ Support alignment of Federal and state policy Manufacturing Opportunities

A “Win-Win” Scenario High- Quality Jobs EducatorsEmployers Regional Development Workers