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Community Update
June 2026
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Registration Now Open - 2026 MSSC Instructors' Conference (virtual)
Registration is now open for the 2026 MSSC Instructors' Conference, a virtual event designed to bring together MSSC educators from across the country to share best practices, innovative teaching strategies, and successful program outcomes.
Taking place on August 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, the conference provides an opportunity for instructors to learn new approaches to student engagement and credential attainment, and strengthen the impact of MSSC programs nationwide. Register here.
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MSSC Leadership Council Meeting 2026 - Industry Leaders Share Insights on Workforce, Reshoring, and Talent Development
MSSC’s 2026 Leadership Council Meeting earlier this month brought together industry, education, and workforce leaders for a forward-looking discussion on the trends reshaping manufacturing and supply chain careers. Featured presentations explored the continued momentum of U.S. reshoring efforts, apprenticeship expansion initiatives, and innovative approaches to connecting students with technical careers through work-based learning.
The meeting also highlighted how leading employers are responding to workforce challenges through automation and skills development, including Target Corporation’s successful use of MSSC’s Certified Technician – Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program as part of a broader strategy to develop and retain highly skilled technicians. Across all presentations, a common theme emerged: the future competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing and supply chains will depend on building strong talent pipelines and equipping workers with the skills needed to succeed in increasingly advanced production and logistics environments. Review the full recap here.
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Senior Success Story: Makayla Timmons at Western Guilford High
Last year, Makayla Timmons of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) Academy at Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC, became the first high school student in the nation to earn the full Certified Technician – Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) Equipment Maintenance certification.
The CT-SCA Equipment Maintenance certification validates competencies in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the sophisticated automation systems that power today's supply chains and distribution centers.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Makayla on her graduation and this groundbreaking achievement. As the first high school student in the nation to earn the full CT-SCA Equipment Maintenance certification, she has set an inspiring example of excellence, determination, and technical achievement. We wish Makayla continued success in her future endeavors.
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Producing the Goods of the Future: Job Opportunities in Manufacturing
A recent article from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights the continued importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy and workforce. In 2024, the manufacturing sector employed approximately 12.8 million workers across industries ranging from food production and aerospace to semiconductor and battery manufacturing.
While overall manufacturing employment is projected to remain relatively stable through 2034, the industry is expected to generate nearly 1 million job openings annually due to retirements, career transitions, and workforce turnover. This sustained demand underscores the need for a strong pipeline of skilled workers prepared to fill critical roles across the sector. Read the full report here.
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The Adoption of AI by Industrial Sectors
A recent analysis from the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted at different rates across industries and companies, with important implications for productivity, competitiveness, and workforce development. While AI is expected to influence nearly every sector of the economy, adoption patterns show that some industries are moving much faster than others. More information on the report findings can be found here.
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How Nissan is Addressing the Automotive Talent Shortage with Schools
A recent College Board spotlight article highlighted Nissan USA's innovative response to the automotive industry's ongoing talent shortage through its Centers of Excellence (COE) program. The initiative places experienced Nissan employees in high school classrooms as instructors while maintaining their industry salaries, helping schools overcome the challenge of recruiting qualified CTE teachers. Launched in Tennessee and now expanding into Mississippi, the program provides students with hands-on advanced manufacturing training, industry tours, and the opportunity to earn MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 certifications.
Early results have been impressive, with participating schools reporting significant enrollment growth and strong CPT module pass rates. By partnering directly with educators and investing in the future workforce, Nissan is helping students develop career-ready skills while strengthening the manufacturing talent pipeline. As Nissan's Dr. Joy Rich noted in the article, "We're not just training people to work for Nissan—we're growing a workforce, and rising tides lift all boats." Read the full article here.
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U.S. Manufacturing Activity Reaches Four-Year High
U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at its fastest pace in four years, signaling continued momentum across the sector despite ongoing economic and supply chain challenges. According to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 54.0, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth and the strongest reading since 2022.
The increase was driven by strong factory output, rising new orders, and sustained investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-related infrastructure, including data centers, semiconductors, and advanced technology equipment. Manufacturers serving these markets have benefited from growing demand as businesses continue investing in digital transformation and emerging technologies. Further information can be found here.
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Tracking Workforce Pell Adoption Ahead of the July Launch
With the official launch of Workforce Pell starting next month, states are at very different stages of implementation—and the rules for what qualifies as an eligible Workforce Pell program are already diverging significantly. A new Workforce Pell Implementation Tracker compares how eight states are defining eligible occupations and programs, revealing approaches that range from Pennsylvania’s tightly focused list of 19 occupations to North Carolina’s expansive list of 364.
While the federal law allows programs to qualify if they are high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand, states are adding their own requirements, wage thresholds, employer validation processes, and occupation screening criteria. This Opportunity Data tracker provides a side-by-side view of each state's framework, approval timelines, and eligibility standards, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand how Workforce Pell is taking shape across the country.
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House Releases FY27 Funding Bill
The House Appropriations Committee has released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill, outlining proposed investments and reductions that could significantly impact higher education, workforce development, and career and technical education programs.
Among the bill's most notable provisions is an additional $250 million for the Pell Grant program, which would increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $50, bringing it to $7,445. The proposal also seeks to address the projected Pell Grant funding shortfall through changes to federal student loan programs, though those provisions are expected to face significant debate as the appropriations process moves forward. Continue reading here.
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New Research Highlights Strategies to Improve Workforce Outcomes for Community College Students
A recent report from the Brookings Institution explores how community colleges can better connect education and workforce development to improve employment outcomes for students. The analysis emphasizes that while community colleges play a critical role in preparing learners for careers, many students face challenges transitioning from education to employment due to limited access to career guidance, employer connections, and labor market information. View the full report here.
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Technology & Talent: A Growth Engine for Reshoring
A new article from Reshoring Initiative Founder Harry Moser highlights how advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development are working together to drive the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing. As reshoring and foreign direct investment continue to create high-tech manufacturing jobs, companies are increasingly pairing investments in automation, AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing with robust workforce training initiatives.
The article notes that nearly 4 million manufacturing positions will need to be filled over the next decade, making skills development a critical national priority. Success stories from companies like GE Appliances, Marlin Steel, Caterpillar, and Newell Brands demonstrate that combining technology adoption with technical training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized certifications can boost productivity, strengthen supply chains, and create rewarding career pathways for the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
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