Preparing the Next American Manufacturing Workforce

Overview & Synopsis

Manufacturing has a new face--and the future it offers is exciting. But in order to take advantage of what it offers, one needs a plan and he/she has to know how to execute it. In this article, the author discusses how the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is working to get the message out that the future of advanced manufacturing will depend greatly on a pipeline of workers who are skilled in the technologies being used in the field today. SME provides technology that can boost productivity and provides access to a vast well of information and technology helping manufacturers become more productive; and through its SME Education Foundation, it provides access to programs designed to help young people focus on the critical science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) basics of their education. The SME Education Foundation has, for more than 30 years, connected to an impressive and diverse cross-section of the economy. Its members are all working toward a common goal--influencing and encouraging young people to pursue manufacturing engineering careers by focusing on STEM education.