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Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

At SME, we are creating a holistic approach to manufacturing workforce 
development for the betterment of individuals, employers, and the country.

Join the Movement

SME Workforce Vision

Imagine a workforce development system that is as streamlined and efficient as a smart factory. At SME, we have. We are creating a diverse and qualified talent pool to meet workplace demand by stepping up our efforts and investments in launching innovative workforce solutions and partnering with manufacturers, educators, individuals, and workforce development agencies.

Jeannine Kunz, SME CEO

“SME is taking action to strategize nationally and partner locally to build systematic, holistic approaches to workforce development for the betterment of individuals, employers and the nation.”

Jeannine Kunz, Executive Director & CEO, SME

Think Nationally. Act Locally.

SME uses 90+ years of national and local action to build a systematic approach to workforce development that optimizes, amplifies, accelerates, and scales effective local initiatives and programs. With our unique national vantage point and experience along with local knowledge and partnerships, we are driving and sustaining manufacturing for economic growth and prosperity across North America. 

SME PRIME

SME PRIME® Readies Students

Discover the most comprehensive manufacturing and engineering program for high school students in the country.
Manufacturing Imperative- Workforce Pipeline Challenge

Manufacturing Imperative- Workforce Pipeline Challenge

This 2024 Progress Report on the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge is the first in a series of annual reports since its announcement in the fall of 2023 and its launch in January of 2024.
Aligning Missions and Resources

Aligning Missions and Resources

SME and BlueForge Alliance are partnering to fill the critical gaps in the defense manufacturing workforce, bolstering our nation’s defense capabilities.

Innovation and Workforce Development

The manufacturing industry is seeing extraordinary operational transformation in the digital age. Now advanced technology is helping companies attract, develop, and retain talent. We can help support your workforce development strategies with training on core topics such as machining, welding and GD&T to artificial intelligence and automation.

Tooling-U SME Logo

Explore Tooling U-SME’s 600+ online classes, Virtual Labs, instructor-led training, apprenticeships, and consulting services.

Talent Supply to Match Workforce Demand

The industry and nation are at risk if we don’t revitalize the industry’s industrial base, grow the talent pipeline and enhance the skills and productivity of our workforce. SME is working with our partners to create an effective learning culture and accelerate workforce development. Together, we can build a robust talent supply to match critical workplace demand.

Workforce Development Chart

Latest SME Workforce News

SME Honors Manufacturing Excellence at 2024 Defense Tech Awards

SME Honors Manufacturing Excellence at 2024 Defense Tech Awards

SME celebrates innovation in manufacturing at the 2024 Defense Tech Awards, honoring advancements that meet critical warfighter needs.
innovation-award

Now Accepting Applications

The Workforce Development Innovation Award honors organizations excelling in upskilling talent, building pipelines, and advancing manufacturing careers.
2024 Review: Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

2024 Review: Unlocking Human Potential to Empower Manufacturing

SME CEO Jeannine Kunz reflects on 2024 milestones, workforce innovations, and plans to empower manufacturing talent and industry success.

Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow

Join SME's Toni Neary each month for a new minicast series diving into the world of workforce development in manufacturing. Each episode offers quick, insightful interviews with industry leaders, success stories, event highlights, and resources to strengthen the future of the manufacturing workforce.

The Manufacturing Workforce Playbooks

Manufacturer Playbook

Highlights ways for manufacturers to engage, support and develop relationships with local schools, students, community and future workforce to drive competitiveness and resiliency, and to support our national security.
Workforce Educators Playbook

Educator Playbook

Provides ideas for educators approaching future students, instructors and administrators to create awareness and inspire interest in the viable, engaging and exciting careers available in manufacturing.

Attract, Develop, Retain

The future of manufacturing depends on a vibrant and skilled talent pipeline. SME engages students of all ages, building a qualified workforce of today and tomorrow.

Experienced Workforce Team

Our workforce team has over 200 years of experience. From former educators to economic development veterans, we have the expertise to develop solutions to your unique challenges and scale them for broad industry impact.

Join the Movement: Contact Us

If you have a successful workforce development program, we’d love to hear about it and share your good work. If you need ideas on how to optimize your workforce, please reach out.