Community Update

August 2025

MSSC 2025 Instructor Conference Recap: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing & Logistics Talent

Last week’s MSSC 2025 Instructor Conference brought together educators, workforce leaders, and industry innovators to share strategies for strengthening manufacturing and logistics pathways. From stackable credentials and apprenticeships to innovative partnerships with community organizations, panelists highlighted how aligned systems can open doors for learners at every stage. Together, these conversations underscored the importance of designing supportive ecosystems that help individuals not only gain technical skills but also transition successfully into rewarding, high-demand careers. Read the recap and catch the session recordings here.  

MSSC Fall 2025 High School Video Contest

MSSC recently launched the Fall 2025 High School Manufacturing Video Contest: “What Manufacturing Means to Us.” This nationwide competition invites high school students in grades 9–12 to create original videos that showcase the exciting world of advanced manufacturing and highlight its diverse career pathways. With the theme “Redefining the Narrative: The New Face of Manufacturing,” the contest empowers students to tell their own stories while exploring career opportunities in modern manufacturing. Submissions are due January 4, 2026, with cash prizes, CPT 4.0 course licenses, and instructor training packages awarded to the top three winners, plus a UberEats gift card for all participating teams. More information can be found here.

MSSC to Attend, Sponsor, and Present at NCATC 2025

MSSC is thrilled to announce that we will be attending, sponsoring, and presenting at the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) 2025 Conference in Tucson, Arizona, September 17–19, hosted by Pima Community College. On Thursday morning, MSSC CEO Neil Reddy and David King of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will present “Rapid Talent Deployment: NCMI Model” from 10:20–11:00 AM, while MSSC Workforce Development Strategist Steve Harrington will lead “Supply Chain Workforce 4.0: Preparing for the Automation Boom” from 11:20 AM–Noon. This year’s event promises powerful opportunities to network with workforce leaders from across the country, explore innovative workforce development practices, and discover actionable solutions to strengthen communities.

We are proud to join an incredible lineup of experts and visionaries who will be sharing insights on technical training, automation, workforce pathways, education and employment alignment, and more. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic gathering—register today!

DOL, DOC & ED Unveil America’s Talent Strategy

The U.S. Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education earlier this month released America’s Talent Strategy: Equipping American Workers for the Golden Age, a federal workforce development plan directed by an April executive order. The strategy is organized around five pillars: industry-driven strategies, worker mobility, integrated systems, accountability, and flexibility and innovation. It focuses on expanding registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning models, streamlining federal programs for greater efficiency, and prioritizing accountability in funding. The plan also outlines efforts to align training programs more closely with employer-identified skills and to build clearer career pathways beginning in middle and high school.

The strategy places a strong emphasis on preparing for workforce shifts driven by artificial intelligence. It proposes the creation of regional AI learning networks, employer-led partnerships, and competitive grants to expand training and innovation capacity. The report also highlights the importance of short-term models like pre-apprenticeships and internships, as well as dual-enrollment programs that connect students to apprenticeships or jobs after graduation. Overall, the plan outlines steps to expand access to in-demand jobs, strengthen connections between education and employment, and support rapid reskilling in response to technological change.

U.S. Manufacturing Sees 39-Month High as Production and Employment Surge

In August, U.S. manufacturing recorded its strongest growth since 2022, with the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rising to a 39-month high. Both production and employment increased sharply, contributing to the Composite PMI climbing to 55.4 from 55.1 in July, signaling the fastest overall business activity so far this year. Much of the boost came from manufacturers stockpiling inputs such as cars, chemicals, and plastics to get ahead of tariffs. While rising import prices are adding to input costs, they are also expected to improve competitiveness for U.S. goods, highlighting a solid rebound for the sector. More information here and here.

2025 Reshoring Survey: 59% of Shops Reshored or Are Quoting

The 2025 USA Reshoring Survey, conducted by the Reshoring Initiative and Regions Recruiting with over 500 respondents, shows strong momentum among contract manufacturers (CMs) in bringing work back to the U.S. In fact, 59% of CMs reported that they have already reshored, are in the process of reshoring, or are actively quoting reshoring projects. The findings emphasize that the most powerful driver of this trend is workforce availability and skills. As the survey noted, "First, a sufficient quantity and quality of U.S. workforce would bring back more manufacturing than any of the other surveyed options – tariffs, a lower U.S. dollar, lower tax rates, or fewer regulations. If we do everything else to boost global competitiveness but don’t have anybody to work in the factory, it’s all purposeless." More information can be accessed here.

Logistics Hiring Heats Up: Employers Seek Job-Ready Talent

A new report from Integrity Staffing Solutions highlights the rising demand for warehouse and logistics workers, with more than 320,000 openings posted between December 2024 and April 2025 by over 39,000 employers. Roles such as warehouse associate, material handler, and forklift operator are especially sought after in high-growth markets like Texas, California, and Florida. The report identified some of the most in-demand skills, noting that employers are seeking job-ready talent with proficiency in forklift and pallet jack operation, inventory control systems, food-grade warehouse practices and sanitation, and basic tech literacy for logistics platforms. More information here.

Robotics Market Sees Steady Growth in First Half of 2025

The North American robotics industry continued to grow in the first half of 2025, with new data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) showing robot orders up 4.3% and revenue rising 7.5% compared to 2024. Automotive OEMs led the gains with a 34% increase in orders, while life sciences, plastics, and electronics also posted strong growth—driven by reshoring, labor shortages, and the need for greater efficiency. Collaborative robots (cobots) are gaining traction as well, making up nearly a quarter of units ordered in Q2, reflecting their value in flexible, human-centered automation. A3 notes that automation is no longer just about efficiency but is central to resilience, flexibility, and competitiveness in today’s global market. Review the full report.

Gen Z turns to trades for security amid AI job fears

A significant number of Generation Z are opting for careers in the skilled trades, motivated by concerns about AI making certain jobs obsolete. Trade jobs offer competitive pay, job security and benefits, making them an attractive alternative to traditional college degree. Read more here.

Manufacturing in Rural America: K–12–Industry Partnerships

A new McKinsey report highlights that over $1 trillion in advanced-manufacturing investments—nearly two-thirds of which are located near rural communities—has the potential to transform rural America with high-quality jobs, stronger economies, and revitalized communities. However, success depends on building a strong pipeline of skilled workers, with a projected shortfall of 2.1 million manufacturing workers by 2030. Rural schools can play a pivotal role by strengthening core skills (literacy, math, critical thinking) and expanding access to career-connected learning through CTE, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and industry-led programs. If realized, these partnerships could generate $20 billion in productivity gains and $34 billion in additional wages annually for rural workers, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for students, employers, and communities alike. Read the full report.

Workforce and Education Funding Maintained in Senate FY26 Spending Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a bipartisan fiscal year 2026 education and labor spending bill that preserves funding for several key workforce and education programs. The measure maintains the Pell Grant maximum award at $7,395 for the 2026–2027 school year and keeps the $65 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants program. Funding is largely sustained for career and technical education ($1.5 billion), adult education ($729 million), and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs, with modest adjustments to certain initiatives. The bill also maintains funding for key workforce development initiatives, including Job Corps, YouthBuild, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The House is expected to take up its version of the bill in September, with a continuing resolution possible as the September 30 fiscal year deadline approaches. A full breakdown can be reviewed here.

Future-Proofing the Manufacturing Workforce: The Role of Industry in Education

The future of U.S. manufacturing depends heavily on building a skilled workforce prepared for an era of automation, with industry and education working hand-in-hand to meet demand. Paul Aiello, Executive Director of Education at FANUC America, emphasizes four priorities to address this challenge: rebranding manufacturing to reflect its high-tech, innovative reality; expanding hands-on robotics experiences in high schools, where 40% of students interested in automation first discover the field; increasing financial support such as scholarships, on which 58% of students rely; and fostering industry-education partnerships to deliver competency-based training and certifications. With more than 7,500 robots already in 1,700 classrooms, these collaborations are helping prepare students with industry-recognized skills and setting the stage for a sustainable advanced manufacturing workforce. Read the full Quality Magazine article here.

Business Roundtable Tackles Skilled Workers Shortage

The Business Roundtable has launched a workforce initiative to address skilled trades worker shortages, led by Carrier Global and Lowe's. The program targets industries such as construction and building, industrial and manufacturing, energy, and maintenance and repair. Carrier aims to hire 1,000 service technicians and train 100,000 professionals over five years, while Lowe's has issued $43 million in grants for training. More information on this initiative here.

Department of Education Launches “Your AI Horizons Challenge”

On August 5, the Department of Education (ED) launched the “Your AI Horizons Challenge,” the third challenge in the ED’s #CTEMomentum challenge series. The new challenge urges students to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into traditional workplace roles to keep pace with emerging technologies. The annual challenge aims to expand CTE education while also providing career readiness opportunities for students.  The challenge is a team-based project. Interested high school students should submit a project overview, a 60-second video pitch and a plan explaining their AI workplace proposal. Teams must have a teacher, administrator or coordinator as the official lead.  Submissions are due on November 19, 2025, at 6 p.m. EST. Ten winners will be announced and will receive a portion of $50,000.