Manufacturers Gather to Build a Resilient Workforce

Nearly 300 manufacturers, educators and workforce partners from across the country convened in Indianapolis this week for the 2026 Workforce Summit, where they discussed practical solutions to manufacturing’s most pressing workforce challenges.

• Hosted annually by the Manufacturing Institute—the NAM’s 501(c)(3) workforce development and education affiliate—the summit is the premier event for manufacturing leaders focused on building and strengthening a resilient workforce.

Skills at scale: HR and operations professionals from manufacturers of all sizes, along with community and training partners, attended this year’s event, titled “Skills at Scale: Delivering America’s Competitive Advantage.”

• “This is our moment to make workforce the strategy,” said MI Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick, setting the tone during the opening session.
• Indiana has the second-highest concentration of manufacturing jobs per capita in the nation, making Indianapolis an ideal venue for these discussions.

The insights: In mainstage keynotes, breakout sessions and brewing solutions conversations, attendees traded practical insights and strategies.

• Culture and retention: Eli Lilly spotlighted its work to support frontline workers’ success, using corporate communications, connection to the company’s purpose and accessible career development programs.
• Veteran hiring: GE Aerospace discussed how its Lifting Futures initiative and partnership with the MI’s Heroes MAKE America are providing pathways for transitioning service members to pursue manufacturing careers.
• Student engagement: 3M and GPS Education Partners talked about how they work with schools and colleges to build aligned, student-centered talent pathways.
• Onboarding: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories shared its pull-based onboarding approach, which improves safety education, reduces ramp-up time and strengthens early engagement.
• Partnerships: The American Composites Manufacturers Association and Miles Fiberglass & Composites showcased their blended training model, which combines digital and in-person learning to improve onboarding and upskilling. Caterpillar Inc. discussed how it aligns strategic investments with local needs and workforce infrastructure.
• AI training: MI staff spotlighted the MI’s new AI Skills for Manufacturing Training Suite, which brings AI skills to the current and future workforce. Rheem Manufacturing then showed how AI can capture a plant floor’s institutional knowledge, helping train the broader workforce. McKinsey & Company also offered a practical roadmap for building an AI-ready workforce at scale.

The final words: “The energy and conversations at this year’s event reflect what we see across our programs every day: the best solutions come from people doing the work,” said MI President Carolyn Lee, closing out the conference. “Manufacturers, educators and partners shared what’s working, and they’re returning to their companies ready to act. That’s why the MI brings these voices together.”

• “A rising tide lifts all boats. We all have a part to play in this.”

Save the date: Next year’s summit will take place Oct. 25–27 in San Antonio, Texas. The MI will begin accepting proposals for breakout sessions in April 2027.

• In the meantime, check out the MI’s Solution Series for year-round guidance. These monthly virtual events allow industry leaders to discuss workforce development approaches with their peers. Register for November’s Solution Series, “AI Skills for the Shop Floor,” today.