Nations need manufacturing workforces that are competent, empowered, and diverse. Attracting and educating this base – ranging from operators and technicians to technologists and engineers – poses unique challenges and opportunities. Underinvestment in manufacturing education has led to a lack of integration of manufacturing content in higher education curriculum. In many countries, deep disconnects exist between manufacturing and workforce development. Expanding industries such as semiconductors and the submarine industrial base struggle to grow their workforce at a pace to support growth. And at times, manufacturing has struggled to attract young people and develop talent.

This webinar will present a new 2025 special issue in SME Manufacturing Letters: Innovations in Manufacturing Education. This issue will provide a platform for findings that advance the frontiers of manufacturing education and workforce development. Topics will include, but are not limited to: innovative manufacturing education in higher education, community colleges, and K-12; learning technologies for manufacturing education and training; and novel approaches to experiential learning and labs. The presentation will include timeline, topics and scope, review process, and Q&A.

Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for a more interactive experience with visuals. 

 

SPEAKERS:

Dr. John LiuDirector and Principal Investigator, MIT Learning Engineering and Practice (LEAP) Group

Ismail Fidan, PhDProfessor of Engineering Technology and Director of the University's Maker Space, Tennessee Tech University

John Irwin, EdD Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, Coll, Michigan Technological University