Community Update

June 2025

Hear from MSSC Leadership on the latest MFG trends and MSSC product developments, and gain actionable insights and best practices from some of our most innovative training partners serving secondary, adult, and opportunity populations. The full program will be released soon but register now to save your spot!

Western Guilford High School Celebrates Major MSSC Milestone - First HS Student to Earn Full CTSCA EM Certification

It is with great excitement that MSSC congratulates Makayla Timmons, a student in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) Academy at Western Guilford High School (NC), on becoming the first high school student to earn the full Certified Technician – Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) Equipment Maintenance certification.

This industry-recognized credential prepares students for careers working with cutting-edge supply chain automation technologies, including the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated material handling equipment. Makayla, a rising 12th grader, is currently completing her CTE Summer Internship at the Harris Teeter Distribution Center and has also been accepted to attend the North Carolina A&T State University Transportation Institute's 2025 summer program.

The program’s instructor, Jeff Silverthorne—an Army veteran and former supply chain professional turned educator—was recently named the 2024-2025 Guilford County Schools Teacher of the Year for his transformative leadership in the TDL Academy. Silverthorne blends real-world experience, inclusive teaching practices, and life-changing mentorship to prepare students—many of whom have overcome personal challenges—for success in high-wage, high-demand careers.

In addition to Makayla, several of Jeff’s students are completing internships at distribution centers for companies such as Harris Teeter and Ralph Lauren. Learn more about their program here.

Rockwell: Smart Manufacturing Moves from Buzzword to Business as Usual



Rockwell Automation has released its 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, offering a fresh look at how manufacturers are adopting and integrating advanced technologies. The report reveals that the excitement around AI and Industry 4.0 has matured into practical application, with 81% of manufacturers accelerating digital transformation. Key focus areas include Cloud/SaaS adoption, AI for quality control and cybersecurity, and upskilling the workforce. As smart manufacturing becomes standard practice, this year’s report emphasizes execution over hype. You can access the full report here.

Interagency Agreement Seeking to Transfer Perkins Revealed

In a court filing, the Department of Education (ED) disclosed that it had entered into an Interagency Agreement (IAA) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to transfer the funding, administration, and oversight of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) from ED’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at DOL. This action appears to align with broader administrative goals outlined in recent Presidential Executive Orders. The IAA was signed on May 21 and was publicly acknowledged by ED during the week of June 13 as part of ongoing litigation concerning proposed staff reductions.

Currently, both the IAA and the related workforce restructuring efforts are subject to a court injunction and are on hold while legal proceedings continue.

The IAA outlines a new division of responsibilities between OCTAE and ETA for the management and oversight of Perkins V and AEFLA, including the transfer of authorized funds. While the agreement acknowledges statutory requirements associated with these programs, stakeholders such as Advance CTE and its partners have expressed concern that the revised structure may introduce additional complexity to program administration. They caution that this shift could pose challenges to effective implementation and may not offer clear benefits or efficiencies for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community.

Commerce Department Seeks to Rework CHIPS Act Contracts Amid Budget Cuts

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced that the Department is actively renegotiating CHIPS and Science Act contracts, aiming to reduce government contributions to “4% or less” of project costs—down from previous levels near 10%. The move comes as the department proposes a 16.5% budget cut, including $325 million from NIST, which oversees CHIPS funding. While intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars and encourage more U.S.-based investment, the renegotiations raise concerns among lawmakers that they could slow down critical chip manufacturing projects. More information here.

New Report Examines Workforce Innovation Among Japanese Automakers

In a newly released white paper from Opportunity America and the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI)—supported by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)—explores how Japanese-brand automakers in the U.S. are building impactful, employer-driven workforce development models. Titled “Employer-Driven Workforce Development: Japanese-Brand Automakers in the U.S. Offer Models of Engagement,” the report highlights how sustained, strategic partnerships between employers and educators are advancing the future of American advanced manufacturing.

One model highlighted in the report is Nissan’s Centers of Excellence initiative in Tennessee. Through this model, Nissan collaborates with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to deliver high-quality, in-demand training directly into high schools via dual enrollment. Students not only earn TCAT college credit but also graduate with nationally recognized industry credentials—including MSSC’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) certifications, alongside OSHA 10, Lean Six Sigma, and Fanuc Robot Operator Level I certifications. Read more about the report here. 

Micron Unveils $200B U.S. Expansion Plan for Memory Chip Manufacturing and R&D

Micron Technology has announced a landmark $200 billion investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and R&D in partnership with the Trump Administration. The expansion includes building a second leading-edge memory fab in Idaho, modernizing its Virginia facility, and establishing advanced High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) packaging capabilities to support AI-driven demand. This initiative is expected to create approximately 90,000 jobs and enable Micron to produce 40% of its DRAM domestically. The company has secured up to $6.4 billion in CHIPS Act funding and aims to leverage the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit for long-term growth across critical sectors like AI, defense, and automotive. Read the Press Release.

New Report Highlights Economic Power of U.S. Clean Energy Manufacturing

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has released a new report quantifying the economic impact of U.S. clean energy manufacturing. As of early 2025, 200 solar, wind, and battery factories are operating across 38 states—73% in Republican-leaning states—supporting 122,000 jobs and generating $33 billion in annual economic activity. That figure could grow to $164 billion and 579,000 jobs by 2030 if current project plans proceed. With average clean energy manufacturing salaries well above the national average, ACP warns that proposed federal tax credit cuts could jeopardize this growth. The report underscores how clean tech factories are reshaping local economies with high-tech, high-wage jobs—and why consistent policy is essential to sustaining momentum. Read the full report here.

Senator Steve Daines reintroduces the bipartisan “Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act” 

The legislation would provide grant funding to colleges offering registered apprenticeship programs in construction and manufacturing. The bill aims to expand access to hands-on training, strengthen workforce pipelines in high-demand sectors, and support economic development in Montana and beyond. More information can be found here.

WSJ: “Trade War Roils Logistics Sector After 2024’s Relative Calm”

The 2025 State of Logistics Report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals reveals that U.S. businesses spent nearly $2.6 trillion on logistics in 2024—a 5.4% increase from the previous year—despite costs remaining flat as a share of GDP. The sector had been stabilizing post-pandemic, but new tariffs from the Trump administration have reignited disruption, prompting companies to stockpile inventory and reassess supply chain strategies. Retailers like Target report rising pressure in consumer demand and sourcing challenges. Experts warn that businesses now face a volatile environment requiring rapid and continuous adjustments to trade and logistics plans. Check out the full article. 

Reshoring Surges Ahead: U.S. Job Announcements Hit 245,000 in 2024

The Reshoring Initiative’s 2024 Annual Report highlights a continued surge in U.S. job announcements tied to reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI), totaling 244,940 jobs—64% from reshoring and 36% from FDI, the largest gap since tracking began in 2010. The growth has been driven by major federal programs like the CHIPS and IRA Acts, and concerns over global supply chain risks. Top industries include computer and electronic products (35%) and electrical equipment (31%), with Texas, Kentucky, and North Carolina leading in job announcements. More information here.