Tooling U-SME Blog

Improving Your Leadership Skills

Date: January 05, 2022
Posted by:Dave Ewers, Director of Content Development, Tooling U-SME

Manufacturers increasingly want and need actionable advice to help them lead more effectively. So we partnered with an expert in leadership training, Robin Storti, for a four-part webinar series dedicated to leadership in manufacturing. Read More.

Where Are We Now? Mission Critical: Workforce 2021

Date: December 21, 2021
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Back in 2011, we asked the industry a simple yet essential question: Is your workforce ready?

At that time, despite high general unemployment, a critical shortage of skilled workers threatened the future of manufacturing in America. Tooling U-SME — and other experts — predicted that if the skills gap was not immediately addressed, the crisis would dangerously accelerate in the next decade. Read More.

FABTECH Lessons: Attract & Retain Manufacturing Workforce

Date: December 14, 2021
Posted by:Denise Ball, Regional Client Executive and Workforce Development Specialist, Tooling U-SME

Earlier this fall, thousands made their way to FABTECH 2021, a welcome in-person gathering after a pandemic-required sabbatical. Read More.

Uniquely Abled Academy & STEMbassadors Build Manufacturing Workforce

Date: December 09, 2021
Posted by:Lori Byrne and Krista Maurer, Account Executives Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

We’ve been highlighting workforce development programs across the country that are providing exciting career paths to employees and helping employers build the talent pipeline they need. Read More.

Honoring the Best in Manufacturing Training

Date: November 04, 2021
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

We love this time of the year when we get to present the SME Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award. Now in its second year, the award honors a manufacturer that demonstrates an exceptional commitment and dedication to upskilling the workforce, enhancing talent, and preparing new and incumbent employees for a successful career in the manufacturing industry. Read More.

John Jay Center: Collaboration Key to Workforce Development

Date: October 28, 2021
Posted by:Sue Mueller, Senior Workforce Development Strategist, Tooling U-SME

Throughout the country, schools are doing great work building the manufacturing talent pipeline. The common denominator when it comes to producing career-ready graduates is a close collaboration with local manufacturers. Read More.

Certifications Offer Students Advantages Entering Manufacturing Workforce

Date: October 19, 2021
Posted by:Lori Byrne and Krista Maurer, Account Executives Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

Even with job openings in all industries surging, landing that first entry-level job can be a challenge.

A recent analysis of LinkedIn job listings from December 2017 through August 2021 shows “entry level” job positions often demand years of prior experience. Read More.

Local Organizations Connect Underserved Communities to Career Pathways

Date: September 08, 2021
Posted by:Krista Maurer

Recently, we highlighted two organizations — Robert C. Byrd Institute and Jane Addams Resource Corporation — that are making an important difference by providing job training and skills development to underserved communities.

Now we’d like to introduce you to two additional programs that are building an important pipeline of entry-level manufacturing employees while providing family-sustaining wages and promising careers to individuals in local communities. Read More.

Local Training Programs for Underserved Communities Create Careers and Combat Skills Shortage

Date: August 04, 2021
Posted by:Therese Schustrich and Krista Maurer, Account Executives Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

Covid-19 caused slowing in much of the manufacturing industry, but activity is ramping up once again, and the number one priority is hiring a qualified workforce.

We have been inspired by two organizations providing job training and skills development to underserved communities, providing career opportunities for individuals, and solutions to the shortage of skilled workers for employers. Read More.

How Manufacturing Leaders Can Make Effective Use of Their Time

Date: July 08, 2021
Posted by:Dave Ewers, Director of Content Development, Tooling U-SME

Over the past year, my team has noticed an increase in the demand for leadership training in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers want and need actionable tips to help them lead more effectively. So, we found an expert in leadership training, Robin Storti, and partnered with her to launch a four-part webinar series dedicated to leadership in manufacturing. Read More.