Community Update

April 2025

Rockwell Automation Refills Position on MSSC Board

Rockwell Automation CEO, Blake Moret, has nominated Matt Kennedy, VP, Global Capabilities and Innovation, to re-fill the RA position. Our Board has given its unanimous approval to this nomination. 

Matt Kennedy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the industry and we are pleased to have him as a newly installed Board Member.

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost Skilled Trades and Workforce Programs

On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a pivotal Executive Order aimed at modernizing federal workforce development initiatives, with a strong emphasis on preparing Americans for high-paying, in-demand skilled trade careers.

Key Highlights:

• Cross-Agency Overhaul: The Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce are tasked with reviewing and streamlining federal workforce programs to address the needs of emerging industries and support reshoring efforts.
• Apprenticeship Expansion: A national goal has been set to support over 1 million active apprenticeships annually, with a focus on expanding access and creating stronger links between education and job training.
• Skills Over Degrees: The order promotes upskilling pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees, including expanded Registered Apprenticeships and modernized career prep efforts for youth.
• Focus on the Future: The strategy aligns with broader efforts to prepare workers for the AI revolution and re-industrialization, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and data-driven outcomes.

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer called the initiative a step toward “renewing the American Dream,” underscoring its potential to empower the workforce and drive economic resurgence.

Additionally, a companion Executive Order establishes a national framework to integrate AI education across K-12 and workforce training programs, equipping both students and educators with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

World Economic Forum: 'Indiana's scalable model for closing the manufacturing talent gap'



We are delighted to report that MSSC is mentioned in a new article published by the World Economic Forum, the famous annual retreat in Davos, Switzerland of world leaders (Presidents, Prime Ministers, prominent CEOs, world-renowned experts). This article is authored by Sue Ellspermann, the President of Ivy Tech College, in which she describes Indiana’s scalable model for closing the manufacturing talent gap.

As the manufacturing industry braces for a projected 3.8 million new jobs in the U.S. by 2033, Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College is offering a scalable, forward-thinking model to meet the sector’s growing talent needs. With a strong emphasis on dual enrollment, credential transparency, and employer-aligned curriculum, Ivy Tech is equipping students with industry-recognized skills before they even finish high school.



Through partnerships with more than 450 high schools across the state, over 7,200 Indiana high schoolers earned more than 9,200 college credentials during the 2023–24 academic year—nearly two-thirds of which were in career and technical education (CTE) fields. Ivy Tech offers 100 free courses that include industry-aligned certifications, including 20 focused on advanced manufacturing. Students can earn certifications from organizations like MSSC, AWS, NIMS, and SACA, positioning them for careers in areas such as automation, industrial IoT, and AI. Ivy Tech’s statewide footprint enables rapid replication of its successful models, making it a blueprint for other states seeking to strengthen their advanced manufacturing workforce.

Celebrating Second Chance Month 2025

April marks Second Chance Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of supporting individuals returning from incarceration and helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity. At the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), we are honored to play a role in opening doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures for those seeking a second chance.

This work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, and we’re honored to partner with reentry programs, correctional institutions, and community organizations across the country to make that belief a reality.



To see what some of our Second Chance Partners are up to, catch this webinar from last year's MSSC Instructors Conference.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Earns National Recognition for NCMI Partnership

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) has been honored as a 2025 national finalist in the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Awards of Excellence in two categories — one of which highlights its standout partnership with the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI).

Recognized among the top five in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category, RCCC’s collaboration with NCMI has emerged as a national model for workforce innovation. Launched in 2015, the NCMI offers an eight-week, scholarship-funded training program that equips participants with industry-recognized credentials and guaranteed job interviews. To date, over 400 graduates have earned the Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential, with 85% securing full-time employment at annual salaries ranging from $44,000 to $58,000.

Powered by a coalition of 36 industry partners and a strong alliance with Mitchell Community College, NCMI stands out for its “pay it forward” employer-funded scholarship model and support from initiatives like Better Jobs for Better Lives, backed by Rowan County commissioners.

“This isn’t just about jobs — it’s about building careers, supporting families and strengthening the entire region,” said Austin Shrewsberry of Martin Marietta, a lead industry partner. The recognition from AACC underscores the effectiveness of education-industry collaboration in driving regional economic mobility and student success. Read more here.

Other MSSC Programs in the News:

South Texas College - "STC is starting a new supply chain training program – Texas Border Business"

Goodwill Tulsa - "Students can now get forklift certified by taking manufacturing courses at Goodwill Tulsa"

National Apprenticeship Day 2025 – Strengthening the Manufacturing Pipeline with the IMT Apprenticeship

In recognition of April 30^th being National Apprenticeship Day, we’re spotlighting the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Registered Apprenticeship, a U.S. Department of Labor-approved program aimed at preparing entry-level workers with the skills needed to thrive in modern manufacturing environments. In 2024, there were over 96,500 apprentices served in advanced manufacturing occupations.

Structured as a 3,000-hour hybrid apprenticeship, the IMT model combines extensive on-the-job learning (OJL) with a robust Related Instruction component. The Certified Production Technician credential, developed by MSSC, is widely used to fulfill a significant portion of the Related Instruction—typically covering 160–170 of the 260 required hours—making it a valuable building block for participants pursuing this pathway. With its strong emphasis on practical experience and foundational skills, the IMT apprenticeship helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. It continues to serve as a trusted pathway for developing a future-ready manufacturing workforce.

Listening to the Workforce: Department of Labor Kicks Off 'America at Work' Tour



Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer embarked on an "America at Work" listening tour, a nationwide initiative aimed at engaging directly with American workers to understand their challenges and opportunities in the current labor market. The tour is part of the administration's commitment to prioritize the needs of workers and ensure that their voices are heard in shaping labor policies. 

MEP Funding Update: Temporary Reprieve for Select States, Long-Term Outlook Remains Uncertain



The U.S. Department of Commerce has reversed an earlier decision to withhold nearly $13 million in funding from 10 state Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, providing a short-term extension through the end of the fiscal year. Initially, these centers—located in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming—were informed that their contracts would not be renewed following the completion of their current cycle in March 2025.

Nvidia Commits $500B to U.S. AI Chip Manufacturing



In a major boost to American advanced manufacturing, Nvidia has announced plans to invest up to $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years. This marks the first time the company will manufacture its high-performance artificial intelligence chips on U.S. soil.



Working in partnership with global contract manufacturers including TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, and SPIL, Nvidia will develop over one million square feet of production space across Arizona and Texas. Key facilities include packaging and testing centers in Arizona, and supercomputer manufacturing plants in Houston and Dallas, with operations set to scale up in the next 12–15 months.

New Financial Assistance Opportunity for Apprentices

Jobs for the Future (JFF), with support from Google.org, has launched the $2 million National Apprentice Fund to provide direct financial assistance to 750 U.S. Registered Apprentices, prioritizing those in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, health care, IT, clean energy, and education—particularly in newer apprenticeship models and facing financial hardship. Each apprentice will receive $2,800, and the initiative will evaluate its impact on outcomes such as retention, completion, and job placement through ongoing assessment and engagement with recipients. More information can be accessed here.

New Report Highlights Rising Popularity of Certificate Programs Among Undergraduates

A new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reveals a continued surge in certificate program completions, highlighting a growing student preference for short-term, affordable pathways to employment. In the 2023-24 academic year, certificate completions rose by 11.2%—marking the third consecutive year of growth—while associate and bachelor’s degree completions declined.



Notably, younger learners are driving the growth. For the first time, certificate earners under age 24 outnumbered older adults. The largest increases were among students aged 18-20 (+17.8%) and dual-enrolled students under 18 (+27.2%). Read more here.

The TechEd Podcast: ‘Changing Tariffs Will Impact Technical Education—Here’s What to Do About It’

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner unpacks how shifting trade policies are reshaping the landscape for technical educators—and what to do about it. From escalating equipment costs to the growing need for AI and automation training, he shares five actionable strategies to help programs stay ahead through smart scenario planning. Listen to it here.

Modernizing Federal Work Study to Strengthen Career Readiness

Amid bipartisan interest in career readiness and a growing shortage of skilled workers in the U.S., the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), in collaboration with Riipen, shared recommendations to transform the Federal Work Study (FWS) program – which provides paid, part-time jobs to college students with financial need – into a meaningful work-based learning experience for students. Recommendations include ideas which have been popular among advocates for over two decades: supporting a wide variety of job types to suit different student needs, improving data collection, and building institutional capacity. The report also calls for reworking how FWS dollars are allocated to institutions, and how they can be used. More information here.

Deloitte Report: ‘Accelerating the resurgence of American manufacturing’

A recent Deloitte report emphasizes the ongoing resurgence of American manufacturing, driven by strategic federal investments, digital transformation, and rising global demand for advanced technologies. Legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act has sparked billions in manufacturing investments, particularly in clean energy and critical technologies, creating over 100,000 jobs and tripling construction spending since 2020. Yet, challenges remain—including geopolitical instability, supply chain vulnerabilities, and a persistent skills gap. The report calls for sustained public-private collaboration, with governments playing a key role in supporting innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. It also highlights the growing role of Industry 4.0 tools—such as augmented reality, AI, and metaverse applications—in boosting productivity and attracting Gen Z talent. With strategic policy support and a renewed emphasis on workforce ecosystems, manufacturing in the U.S. can solidify its global leadership and deliver economic prosperity well into the 2030s. Access the full report here.