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The U.S. economy depends on advancing the knowledge and skills of American workers throughout their careers. While the workforce needs of manufacturers
change rapidly, the U.S. public workforce system – with origins in the 1930s and 40s – distributes nearly $10 billion dollars through programs that emphasize
“push” training to unemployed workers. Through reform of the Workforce Investment Act, more robust inner- and intra-agency coordination, and the integration of
workforce development with economic development and regional innovation initiatives, NACFAM believes that manufacturing stakeholders can collaborate to create
a more “pull-based” system. Furthermore, emphasis must be placed on the increasingly important role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
education, reflecting the dynamic needs of the economy, while allowing students and workers – including at risk workers – to continuously upgrade their skills.
NACFAM has established a Workforce Advisory Council to consist of interested individuals from industry, education, training, associations, government, and more to focus on forward-looking policies and programs.
Workforce Mission: To increase America’s talent pool by brokering the development and support of innovative and collaborative manufacturing policies and programs.
Workforce Chair: Joe Houldin, CEO of the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center
NACFAM's Current Issues/Programs in Workforce:
- NEW! NACFAM Annual Conference Breakout Report for Workforce Education & Training: A New U.S. Education System for the 21st Century
- STEM Talent Development Regional Forums: Advancing the dialogue, identifying best practice models, and articulating action plans in regional economies. In June 2006, NACFAM partnered with the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center to hold the first regional forum on this subject. NACFAM is currently working with the Massachusettes MEP on a December 2007 event. Click here to view the June 2006 Forum Proceedings, which details specific outcomes and recommendations. If you are interested in learning more about holding your own Regional Forum, contact Fred Wentzel, NACFAM Senior Advisor, at 202-429-2220 ext. 3.
- ETA’s Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model: Promote the effective use of the Advanced Manufacturing Competency model and its resources to business. The Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model serves as a dynamic, industry-driven framework for foundational competencies that are necessary for entry level workers across all manufacturing sectors. Such a model framework would allow for consistency across industries, customization within sectors, and easy updating to accommodate changing technology and business practices. For more detailed info visit the Competency Model website
- State's Career Clusters Initiative/Manufacturing Careers Pathway: The States’ Career Clusters Initiative (SCCI) is an initiative established under the National Career Technical Education Foundation (NCTEF) to provide Career Clusters as a tool for seamless transition from education to career in this era of changing workplace demands. SCCI helps states as they connect career technical education (CTE) to education, workforce preparation, and economic development. To this end, SCCI develops new products and promotes information-sharing, techniques, and methods to aid the development and implementation of Career Clusters within states. NACFAM is the Cluster Leader for Manufacturing. For specific information about the Manufacturing Pathway Plan of Study, visit Manufacturing.
- Technology-based Learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fields: Overcoming the learning challenges in STEM areas with the use of simulation and gaming theory.
In addition to the above mentioned items, the Workforce Council will focus on new, innovative and collaborative policies and programs: What is emerging in this issue area? Is it something NACFAM should focus on? How can NACFAM continue as “brokers for intense collaboration” in this issue area?
The commitment for Council members would be at least one annual face-to-face meeting (the annual AMLF meeting), a few one hour conference calls and general email correspondence. The Council will have an important role in directing the Annual meeting and AMLF activities on Workforce and will help set NACFAM’s Workforce policy and research focus.
If you would like to receive more information or sign up to participate in this Council, please email LeeSa Page on the NACFAM staff.
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