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Community Update
May 2026
| | MSSC & SkillsUSA Partner to Expand Credentialing Opportunities at NLSC 2026
MSSC is excited to partner with SkillsUSA at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference to expand access to industry-recognized manufacturing credentials for both instructors and student competitors. Check out the opportunities below, including complimentary CPT 4.0+ instructor training sessions and free CPT 4.0 Safety assessment opportunities for SkillsUSA participants. For those interested in learning more about this exclusive-SkillsUSA NLSC Opportunity, please reach out to Tyler Kennedy, Sr. Manager of Strategic Initiatives: tkennedy@msscusa.org or 703-739-9000x2226. | | |
Department of Education Issues Final Rule for Workforce Pell Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Education has finalized the new Workforce Pell Grant program, officially opening federal Pell Grant funding to short-term workforce training programs beginning July 1, 2026. The program expands financial aid eligibility beyond traditional degree pathways, allowing students to use Pell Grants for workforce-focused training programs lasting as little as 8 to 15 weeks in fields such as advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, healthcare, and transportation. Eligible programs must align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries and meet specific performance and earnings outcome standards established through collaboration between governors, state workforce boards, and the Department of Education. The final rule also allows Workforce Pell funding to support related technical instruction connected to Registered Apprenticeships, further strengthening workforce development and career training pathways nationwide. Read the news release here.
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AI, Reshoring, and Policy Uncertainty Are Reshaping the Factory Floor
As manufacturing continues its rapid transformation, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool to support and strengthen the workforce—not replace it. Manufacturers are increasingly using AI to improve machine maintenance, accelerate worker training, and help employees troubleshoot complex equipment in real time. At the same time, reshoring efforts, clean energy investments, and data center expansion are driving growing demand for skilled trades and advanced manufacturing talent. Robert Merritt, CEO of SlateUp—a workforce platform focused on connecting manufacturers with skilled talent and workforce development solutions—emphasizes that manufacturing continues to offer strong middle-class career opportunities while highlighting the growing need for scalable workforce development and technical skill development to meet industry demand. Read the full article to learn more here.
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Community College Presidents and Trustees Invited to Complete National Survey on Economic Development - New America
Community colleges are playing an increasingly important role in preparing students and workers for rapidly changing workforce needs, especially as industries adapt to new technologies and evolving labor demands. To help strengthen this role, New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) have announced an expanded partnership to advance the mission of the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy. Originally launched in 2024 in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Accelerator supports community colleges in strengthening workforce development, emerging technology training, and regional economic growth initiatives.
As part of the expanded collaboration, New America and ACCT are launching a first-of-its-kind national study examining how community college trustees and presidents can strengthen institutional leadership, governance, and capacity-building efforts to better align colleges with evolving workforce and economic development needs. Read more here on this effort.
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DOD-Supported Workforce Development Program Pushes Manufacturing Careers
A Department of Defense-supported workforce development initiative is helping strengthen the nation’s advanced manufacturing talent pipeline while highlighting the role of industry-recognized credentials in workforce preparation. LIFT—a Detroit-based national advanced materials and manufacturing innovation institute supported by the Department of Defense—recently highlighted its Operation Next program, which provides rapid credentialing and workforce training in areas such as welding, machining, robotics, and industrial maintenance. Through a recent partnership with Southeastern Community College, 40 adult learners earned industry credentials, including certifications developed by MSSC, to support career pathways in manufacturing and the defense industrial base. The program serves service members, veterans, military families, and civilians while helping address growing workforce needs across advanced manufacturing industries. Further information on the program can be found here.
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The Simple Fix Small-Town Schools Are Using to Keep Teens Out of Dead-End Jobs
A growing number of small-town schools are finding success with a surprisingly simple solution to help students avoid low-wage, dead-end jobs: dedicated career and college advisers.
A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights how programs like rootEd Alliance are helping rural students explore career pathways, apply for financial aid, connect with workforce training opportunities, and build realistic post-graduation plans. In communities where students often have limited exposure to career options, this kind of guidance is making a measurable impact — increasing college and career training participation while reducing the number of students entering low-skill jobs. Click here for the full story.
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Reminder: Reshoring Initiative 2026 Manufacturing Survey Open Through July 15th
The Reshoring Initiative’s 2026 Manufacturing Survey remains open through July 15, 2026. Conducted in collaboration with Regions Recruiting, the survey is gathering feedback from manufacturers, OEMs, contract manufacturers, and supply chain professionals on the factors influencing reshoring decisions and U.S. supply chain investment. Topics include the impact of tariffs and taxes, workforce and training needs, and the growing role of technologies such as AI in manufacturing operations. More information and a link to participate can be accessed here.
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