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The Manufacturing Institute—the 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate of the NAM—will develop artificial intelligence skills training programs for manufacturing workers and the expansion of employer-led apprenticeship programs via the MI’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education. This work is made possible by funding from Google.   

New courses: The MI will develop two new courses for operations workers: AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians.

• The 101 course will contextualize existing AI training from Google specifically for the manufacturing environment. At no cost, this training will be available to manufacturing companies and their employees through an online learning platform and to education partners that are preparing individuals to enter the manufacturing workforce.
• The AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course will be a brand-new offering developed by the MI and integrated into FAME.

More FAME: The funding will also enable the MI to launch new FAME chapters in at least 15 new regions, while developing and embedding the AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course across all FAME chapters.

• The FAME program is a proven model for training advanced maintenance technicians and building durable talent pipelines for manufacturers today in 46 hubs across the country.
• Google.org is also supporting the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s provision of Work Ethic Scholarships to FAME students, which will offer financial assistance to eligible participants completing their manufacturing programs.

The MI says: “So much of the narrative around AI and the workplace is fear-based. One thing we’ve learned in manufacturing time and again is that as new technologies are introduced, it is essential to ensure our workers build the skills needed to engage,” said MI President Carolyn Lee.

Google says: “Google.org wants the manufacturers who build our world to have access to the best technology for the job,” said Google.org Global Head Maggie Johnson.

• “We’re proud to support the Manufacturing Institute’s efforts with our funding and technological expertise. This initiative will bring hands-on AI skills to the shop floor, helping manufacturing students and workers shape this new era of American innovation.”

In the news: The announcement of the funding was covered in a Fox Business exclusive and later publicized in Axios and by several local Fox and NBC stations.

Learn more: Learn more about the MI’s training and join its email list to stay updated as the MI progresses in this work.