March 27, 2024 by SME Communications The State of SME is an annual member-exclusive event where executives and leadership from the Board of Directors share how SME is impacting the future of manufacturing. On March 7, we shared key insights from 2023 and highlights from our strategic plan so our members have a full picture of where we've been and where we're going this year. One of SME’s ongoing strategic goals is connection, because we believe people are stronger when they come together to work towards a common goal. SME’s collaboration with like-minded organizations, businesses, and educators across all platforms is critical to achieving its mission to accelerate widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and build North America’s talent and capabilities. Here are just a few examples of connections and collaborations discussed during The State of SME that are making an impact: SME & Manufacturing USA SME partnered with Manufacturing USA – the White House’s Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, to launch the Modern Makers promotional campaign this year. The campaign showcases individuals throughout the Manufacturing USA ecosystem, from college students to executives, who are involved in innovation, education, and collaboration to secure the future of U.S. manufacturing. The promotion included digitally targeting engineering students aged 18 – 24 with newsletters, podcasts, and webinars, culminating with an in-person event at SOUTHTEC 2023. SME Education Foundation & the States of Michigan and Georgia In 2023, the SME Education Foundation proudly announced the 12 high schools across the state of Georgia that will join the SME PRIME network. The programs are being funded with a $4.5 million dollar grant from the Georgia Department of Education, purposed at helping to develop a qualified pipeline of talent for the state’s growing manufacturing industry. The Foundation also announced an expansion of its public/private partnership with the State of Michigan on Manufacturing Day 2023, powering its SME PRIME program in 16 additional high schools throughout the state. Announced at Troy High School's SME PRIME program celebration, this expansion brings the program to a total of 49 schools throughout Michigan. SME & 25 Community Colleges Nationwide SME launched the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) in 2023, a three-year pilot program to attract 75,000 individuals to 25 participating community/technical colleges resulting in more qualified workers pursuing manufacturing careers. SME is working with schools to conduct a labor analysis of the local, regional, and state landscape; developing and expanding sector strategies to attract new populations – particularly those underserved and underrepresented in the workforce; and implementing new programs, curriculum and applicable certifications to develop skilled individuals that are ready to hire for the vast array of growing, unfilled positions in manufacturing. SME & WiM SME extended its partnership with Women in Manufacturing (WiM) and conducted two virtual career fairs in 2023 to help manufacturers reach, connect with and hire skilled employees in a variety of roles. Attendees included qualified job seekers consisting of recent college graduates, young professionals, seasoned managers, and skilled tradespeople in a broad range of manufacturing disciplines who connected with companies that support, promote, and inspire women. SME Membership launched six new, ongoing virtual professional development opportunities this year, where members and guests can explore manufacturing leaders' journeys, projects, and industry trends through engaging conversations and discussions. SME & AMT AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and SME, building upon their longtime collaboration on advancing manufacturing, launched a strategic partnership in 2023 focused in three key areas: workforce development, educational products and services and student events. AMT’s education products and services are now owned and operated by SME, and the two associations will co-produce the Smartforce Student Summit at AMT’s well-known IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, held every other year in Chicago. The Summit is designed to inspire students to seek an education pathway in STEM and lead them to a career in manufacturing. Educators and students can register now for the 2024 Summit, Sept. 9 – 14, 2024. For more stories around SME’s impact, stay tuned for our Impact Report which will be available soon. Connection is what SME membership is all about – as the only professional organization that represents members from all facets of manufacturing, members continually benefit from invaluable networking with industry peers. To become a part of the vibrant SME community, visit sme.org/join.
