Advanced Manufacturing Now

We breakdown the March issue of Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, featuring articles on advances in wire EDM technology, AI integration, cybersecurity and workforce development, as well as our Aerospace and Defense Industry Report. 

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has evolved from a promising emerging technology into a mature production method that is transforming industries worldwide. While it has successfully enabled groundbreaking applications in sectors such as aerospace, defense, medical, and consumer goods, it has also revealed limitations where initial expectations could not be met. In this webinar, Matthias Schmidt-Lehr, Managing Partner at AM consultancy AMPOWER and Co-Author of the leading Additive Manufacturing Market Report, will share insights into the latest industry developments. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of market numbers, technology distribution, and regional adoption differences. The session will highlight lead applications and present key learnings from successful AM suppliers and adopters. Join us to explore current trends, machine sales data, and the factors shaping the future of AM. Brought to you by: AMPOWER  SPEAKER: Matthias Schmidt-Lehr Managing Partner Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

On the latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live, Jennifer Coyne, director of programs at The Barnes Global Advisors and an advisor on SME's AM Technical Community Leadership Committee, joins Senior Editor Michael McConnell and Editor Rachael Thomas for a conversation on workforce development and advocacy within the additive manufacturing industry as well as holistic approaches to technology adoption. Join us every two weeks on Thursday at 3pm EST for Advanced Manufacturing Live. Watch us on your preferred platform such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Also available on-demand.

Join us in exploring the findings from a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report by Sphera and The Aluminum Association. Learn how aluminum is shaping a more sustainable future by reducing emissions and improving efficiency in battery electric vehicle (BEV) designs.  Why Attend?  Explore Key Findings: Understand how lightweighting with aluminum contributes to lower life cycle emissions in BEVs.  Hear from Experts: Gain insights on the role of aluminum in the future of mobility, from a panel of the aluminum industry's experts, leading researchers and industry voices.  Discover Design Impacts: See how aluminum-optimized BEV design reduces Global Warming Potential by enabling battery downsizing and improving fuel efficiency.  Brought to you by: DRIVE ALUMINUM SPEAKERS: Marshall Wang Senior Manager, Sustainability Programs, The Aluminum Association Andreas Afseth Technical Director Global Automotive, Constellium Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

Key Machining Strategies Covered: Trochoidal Milling: Efficient material removal with reduced tool wear High Efficiency Milling (HEM): Uses low radial depth of cut for improved tool life and productivity Specialized Operations: Helical interpolation Ramping Full slot milling Industry Segment focus: Critical aerospace components, Oil & Gas (dogbone coupon milling), automotive, medical and more Supply Chain Importance: Emphasis on the quality and availability of materials from powder to rod to finished end mill Closed-loop system includes recycling, ensuring sustainability and consistent performance Global production ensures scalability and repeatability across markets Brought to you by: CERATIZIT SPEAKER: Scott Walrath Business Development Manager Scott brings 40 years of experience in cutting tools, with a specialization in end mill manufacturing. He is the former owner of DuraMill, based in Upstate New York, and since 2021 has served as Senior Product Manager for Solid Carbide End Mills at CERATIZIT. Scott's deep expertise includes tool production, edge preparation technology, coating technologies, and machining strategy optimization. Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, we speak with Nush Ahmed and Karlie Hahn, CEO & COO of Sisterhood of Trades respectively, about their burgeoning manufacturing careers and the rewards of building a community of their peers.  

Justin Baucum, who's leading Isembard's U.S. expansion, joins Steve Plumb to discuss the company's unique business model of establishing contract manufacturing franchises on the latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live. 

What is a time series database and why should you consider using one? In this podcast, we will examine challenges that traditional relational databases struggle to address efficiently and how to implement high-performance time-series data systems with minimal operational overhead. We'll explore how modern open source technologies like InfluxDB, Apache Arrow, DataFusion, and turn high-volume, high-velocity, high-resolution manufacturing and industrial data into actionable intelligence, without compromising performance and keeping storage costs low. What you'll learn: Why traditional databases struggle with modern manufacturing data requirements Key characteristics that make time series databases essential for industrial operations How to achieve real-time data processing at massive scale with minimal infrastructure overhead Practical implementation strategies using modern open source technologies Real-world manufacturing use cases demonstrating measurable ROI and operational improvements Brought to you by: influxdb SPEAKER: Scott Anderson, Product Manager Scott Anderson is a Product Manager at InfluxData, leading product management for the company's core database. Before transitioning into product management, he served as the Technical Lead for InfluxData's Docs team, where he specialized in translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible documentation. With a formal background in graphic design and a self-taught expertise in coding, Scott combines principles from both disciplines to inform his approach to product development, software documentation, and information design. Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, we speak with Dick Schenkel, industry veteran and former executive recruiter, about how retained search firms work, when and why companies should partner with a recruiter, and how candidates can position themselves to stand out in a competitive market.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, we talk with Paul Boris of UiPath about the next evolution of continuous improvement.

Discover how manufacturing leaders are transforming their approach to enterprise data, moving beyond silos to create systems of insight for competitive advantage.  Learn how AI is becoming your best friend for navigating tariff impacts by enabling data-driven domestic sourcing and offsetting higher costs.  See how AI-powered workflows help engineering and supply chain stop reinventing the wheel through intelligent design reuse and accelerated data retrieval.  Explore how data becomes the secret weapon for high-mix, low-volume manufacturers, driving rapid, accurate quotes and operational efficiency.  Uncover how AI is being leveraged to tame cost volatility by optimizing supplier negotiations and identifying hidden savings opportunities. Brought to you by: CADDi Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, we speak with Dean Svarc, author of "Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems" about the hidden cultural and leadership issues that erode business performance.

A family owned millwork company scales up high end custom production in Queens. We discuss Axos Designs' major facility expansion in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.

Skilled labor shortages continue to top the list of barriers to manufacturing growth. In Episode 2 of Advanced Manufacturing Live, we examined how manufacturers are responding—through apprenticeships, partnerships with educators, veteran hiring initiatives and hands-on training centers.

The SME Media editorial team breaks down the February issue, exploring how AI, automation, apprenticeships, and workforce development are coming together to close manufacturing's skills gap.

Join Deltek for a webinar showcasing the powerful capabilities of the Gage and Tool module in TIPQA, a comprehensive solution designed to streamline tool management and enhance quality assurance across manufacturing operations. In this webinar, you'll learn how TIPQA empowers teams to: Track Tool Usage with Precision: Record tool usage directly against manufacturing and inspection steps for full traceability. Simplify Tool Management: Utilize an intuitive check-in/check-out system to manage tool availability and accountability. Ensure Accuracy and Reliability: Automate calibration cycles and schedule preventative maintenance to maintain tool integrity. Adapt Maintenance to Real-World Use: Leverage dynamic maintenance cycles based on actual tool usage to reduce downtime and optimize performance. Drive Data-Driven Decisions: Perform Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility (Gage R&R) analysis to validate measurement systems and improve process control. Whether you're a quality engineer, manufacturing manager, or SME member looking to elevate your tool management strategy, this webinar will provide actionable insights and a firsthand look at how TIPQA's Gage and Tool module can transform your operations. Brought to you by: DELTEK Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, SME Media Editor Rachael Thomas spoke with Nashay Naeve, president of the engineered plastic components business unit at Tsubaki-Nakashima, to learn more about her career journey, uplifting other women in the manufacturing industry and more.

America's manufacturing sector continues to face a critical skilled labor shortage—but one highly capable talent pool often goes overlooked: military veterans. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Rachel Thomas, editor at SME Media, is joined by Michael McConnell, senior editor at SME Media, to discuss his upcoming February feature in Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine.

Recorded live at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode features a conversation between SME Media Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb and SME Chief Manufacturing Officer Dr. Brett Conner on why manufacturing belongs at the world's biggest technology show.

In today's special episode, you'll hear the audio version of SME Media's brand new video series, Advanced Manufacturing Live! You can find the video version of this episode on SME Media's social media pages.     

In this special episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, the SME Editorial Team reflects on the highlights of 2025 and anticipates the trends and challenges for 2026. 

Let's eliminate material waste, accelerate production, and break down data silos between the front office and the shop floor. Discover the power of seamless integration by joining us in an exclusive co-hosted webinar with QBuild and ECI where they'll discuss how integrating your nesting software with your ERP system can revolutionize your fabrication processes.  In the session, you'll see how this powerful integration can help:  Supercharge Production Speed: Automate the nesting process and eliminate manual data entry, leading to faster job starts and reduced lead times.  Eradicate Data Silos: Ensure real-time data synchronization and eliminate the disconnect between your engineering, production, and management teams for accurate insights and streamlined workflows.  Know your Costs & Make Every Cent Count: Unlock precise insights into your jobs' true material and labor consumption – eliminate guesswork and drive profitability.   Boost Overall Efficiency: Make smarter decisions based on a single source of truth, leading to improved resource allocation and increased profitability.  Join us to unlock the full potential of your fabrication processes and drive your business towards greater success and stay ahead in a competitive market.  Speakers: Tim Watkins: Vice President - New System Sales, ECI Software Solutions | Hasara Sandul: Partner Manager and Sales Engineer, QBuild Brought to you by: ECI Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.  

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb sits down with Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to preview CES 2026, taking place January 6–9 in Las Vegas.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb speaks with Silvio Memme, head of business development at P1-AI, about the rise of AI-based engineering agents and what they mean for manufacturing and product development.

Solving the Unstructured Data Challenge: Preparing Manufacturing for the AI Revolution Industry 4.0 has illuminated the transformative impact of real-time shop floor data. However, vast repositories of historical engineering and supply chain data, traditionally confined to back-office systems, continue to be underutilized. To fully leverage the capabilities of AI, integration of these disparate data sources is imperative. This includes critical information residing in various forms, such as sensor readings, machine logs, customer feedback, and especially legacy 2D drawings, handwritten notes, and "tribal knowledge" trapped within the minds of experienced professionals. Traditional data processing methods often struggle to make sense of this hidden treasure, leading to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and a hindrance to true digital transformation. American manufacturers are facing immense pressure, from intensifying global competition and economic uncertainty to skilled labor shortages and the impending retirement of senior engineers who hold decades of undocumented institutional knowledge. To thrive, manufacturers must unlock the full potential of their data and embrace the AI revolution. This webinar will delve into how manufacturing companies can overcome these pervasive unstructured data challenges and strategically prepare for an AI-driven future. Join us to discover how to transform fragmented data into actionable insights, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and drive unprecedented efficiency and innovation. What You'll Learn: The Criticality of Unstructured Data: Understand why traditional data processing methods fail to extract valuable insights from diverse unstructured sources, from drawings to machine logs. AI as a Game-Changer: Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), is emerging as a key enabler for structuring and utilizing unstructured data, augmenting human capabilities, and driving manufacturing evolution. Building a Data Foundation for AI: Discover how to digitize your entire archive of drawings, including old hand-drafted and scanned documents, and link them with crucial supply chain, quality, and procurement data to create a comprehensive "data lake". Democratizing Knowledge with AI-Powered Insights: Learn how advanced search capabilities, including patented similarity search (based on part shape) and keyword search, can empower all employees, from new hires to seasoned veterans, to instantly find relevant designs, pricing history, and supplier information, reducing reliance on individual memory or tedious manual searching. Achieving Tangible Business Outcomes: See how solving the unstructured data challenge directly leads to reduced costs, optimized supplier relationships, faster RFQ responses, improved design quality, accelerated time-to-market, and enhanced decision-making across procurement, engineering, and sales. Navigating the Future of Manufacturing: Gain insights into how embracing AI and a data-driven culture can position your organization at the forefront of the industrial revolution, fostering continuous improvement and sustainable growth. This webinar will provide practical strategies and real-world examples, demonstrating how transforming your data assets can create new value and drive long-term success. Meet Your Presenters: Chris Cope, VP of Engineering at CADDi: As VP of Engineering at CADDi, Chris will highlight strategies for leveraging AI to transform unstructured data and illuminate pathways for enhanced collaboration across engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams. Aaron Lober, VP of Marketing at CADDi: Bringing deep expertise in the transformative power of manufacturing intelligence platforms, Aaron will highlight how cutting-edge technology directly addresses industry pain points and unlocks competitive advantages. Philip Carpenito, Former Chief Procurement Officer at L3Harris: As a leader in procurement for a major industrial organization, Philip will share invaluable insights into the strategic challenges and opportunities within complex supply chains, emphasizing the critical role of data-driven decision-making in optimizing procurement processes and supplier relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to data and prepare your manufacturing operations for the AI revolution. Speakers: Chris Cope: VP of Engineering, CADDi | Aaron Lober: Vice President of Marketing, CADDi | Philip Carpenito: Former Chief Procurement Officer, L3Harris Sponsored by: CADDi Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.    

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor Rachael Thomas is joined by Hendrie Victor, vice president and head of sales at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America.

This episode dives into one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturing today—connecting the next generation to meaningful career pathways. Host Toni Neary sits down with Allison Danielsen, Vice President at Tallo, to explore how technology, community, and authentic employer engagement can reshape the early talent pipeline. Allison shares her own winding career path and how it inspired her passion for bridging the skills gap. She breaks down how Tallo's platform—used by more than two million young people—helps students understand their strengths, explore careers, and connect directly with employers. Toni and Allison discuss Gen Z's expectations for work, why culture matters more than ever, and how employers can reach students in the fast-moving world of TikTok. The episode also highlights innovative ideas like micro-internships, digital career communities, and employer storytelling—all designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in the future workforce. Whether you're an educator, employer, or advocate for manufacturing careers, this conversation offers actionable insight into how we can better support and inspire early talent.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, the SME editorial team discusses the December/January double issue of Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, showcasing how today's most innovative manufacturers are merging cutting-edge technology with people-focused progress.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb sits down with Todd Smith, President and CFO of Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), a global leader in precision springs, deep-drawn parts, stamping, and metal-forming solutions.

In this episode, Associate Editor Cary Gitter sits down with Bryan Christiansen, CEO and founder of Limble CMMS, to explore how usability in maintenance technology directly impacts uptime, technician adoption, and overall manufacturing performance.

Ceramic cutting tool technology has advanced substantially over the past few decades to offer significant productivity improvements in a wide range of materials. Unsurprisingly, with that rapid progression, myths have sprung up that may cause manufacturers to be hesitant to give ceramic tooling a try. During this webinar, members from the tech and marketing team at Greenleaf Corporation will: Delve into some of the most common myths about ceramic tooling Cover which materials are most appropriate for ceramics Share in-depth discussion on optimization methods, tips, and tricks to help you get the most out of your ceramic tooling- whether you are familiar with ceramic tools or just looking to understand how to incorporate them into your machining Join us to learn about ceramic tools and their applications, and to discover methods to unlock your true potential for productivity with ceramics. Speakers: Martin Dillaman: Engineering and Applications Global Manager | Beth Greenleaf: Marketing Specialist and Photographer | Aaron Allen: Applications Engineer Sponsored by: Greenleaf Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.  

Join Editors Steve Plumb, Kip Hanson and Amy Bryson as they explore the December issue of Smart Shop Essentials, focused on automation in manufacturing.

The decision to move from a manual to an automated process has historically been a laborious, lengthy, and capital-intensive endeavor. Calculating the return on investment (ROI) of such a project is critical to the decision-making process. Companies beginning their automation journey tend to look at robots as a 1 to 1 replacement for their workforce leading to expensive over tooled and over automated processes. Focusing solely on labor replacement can lead companies to vastly undervalue some of the less obvious cost savings created by the switch to robotics. In this presentation, we will be discussing some of the best practices and common pitfalls to avoid when calculating the ROI of a robotic implementation, including: Efficient system design for a high-mix manufacturing environment Cost benefits from increased production and decreased waste Indirect cost benefits generated from increased worker satisfaction and safety Long term cost savings from greater traceability, product consistency and redeployability  By considering these concepts, we can move toward considering robots as part of an overall process improvement opportunity versus simply as a direct replacement to workers. Doing so brings into consideration improvements to the production environment, increased product quality, and enhanced company profitability. Ultimately a refocused ROI calculation will help companies pivot from mid-line labor expenses to top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability. Speakers: James Shimano: Product Manager, Epson Robots Sponsored by: EPSON Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.  

In this episode, we talk with Teresa Simons, Executive Director of the Alliance for Working Together (AWT), about how a group of local manufacturers turned a workforce challenge into a regional success story. From the sparks of the student RoboBots competition to the hands-on training at AWT's Transformation Center, Simons shares how AWT is inspiring students, retraining adults, and connecting people with meaningful careers in manufacturing. Tune in to learn how collaboration, innovation, and community spirit are reshaping the future of work in Northeast Ohio.

Wipfli's latest benchmarking insights highlight tariff uncertainty, labor pressures and efficiency gaps as key factors shaping the outlook for U.S. manufacturers in 2026.

Johannes Fuhrmann of Arvato Systems discusses how data spaces and digital twins boost manufacturing efficiency, data sharing, and Industry 4.0 innovation.

Join us for this transformative webinar on the power of integrated risk management (IRM) for safety and risk professionals. We'll discuss how IRM can be achieved via a culture of collaboration between departments and powered by technology. Discover the pivotal role IRM plays in bridging the gap between risk and safety departments, unifying data and strategies to drive meaningful impact across the organization and ultimately improving efficiency, reducing incidents and injuries, and decreasing risk and insurance costs such as workers' compensation claims. Jeff Enzinger, Senior Sales Executive at Origami Risk, will lead an engaging conversation between Jeff Emrick, Corporate Safety Director at Ozinga, and Jenna Bechely, Senior Risk Specialist at Ozinga. They will share their real-world experiences in implementing an IRM strategy and how it benefits their business. Takeaways: Risk and safety professionals can be true partners Business results can be achieved by collaborating (reduction in insurance claims were shown by Ozinga) Technology can surface ways to send workers home safe and avoid insurance and legal costs Ozinga's story is proof that this can be done in practice!   Speakers: Jeff Enzinger: Senior Sales Executive, Origami Risk | Jeff Emrick: Corporate Safety Director, Ozinga | Jenna Bechely: Senior Risk Specialist, Ozinga Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

Steve Plumb, Editor-in-Chief of SME Media, talks with Sam Schroeder, a mechanical engineering student at Northern Illinois University, and Corey Dahlberg, a mechanical design engineer at Sloan Valve Company and SME Chapter 5 director. Together, they share insights from the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Steve Plumb, editor-in-chief of SME Media, is joined by Amy Bryson, Cary Gitter, and new team member Rachel Thomas to dive into the highlights of the November issue of Manufacturing Engineering & Technology.

The rapidly evolving field of medical 3D printing demands a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to harness its full potential. This 45-minute webinar will explore the pivotal role of structured education in developing a competent and confident workforce ready to innovate in clinical, academic, and research settings. In addition, the session will highlight the advantages of engaging and educating the broader community, demonstrating how cultivating curiosity can inspire future professionals and promote widespread adoption of 3D printing in healthcare. Speaker: Trish Weber | Assistant Director of Radiography/Medical Imaging and Advanced Technology, Clarkson College Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.  

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Steve Plumb, Editor-in-Chief of SME Media, joins colleagues Amy Bryson, Cary Gitter, and Cameron Kerkau to spotlight the inspiring young innovators shaping the future of manufacturing. From engineers designing 3D printers for military field use to metallurgists reinventing 1950s alloys and researchers working on NASA's missions, this year's 30 Under 30 honorees represent the brightest and most diverse talent in the industry.

  In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Cary Gitter is joined by Dennis Easter, Senior Solutions Engineer at Algorithm Inc., and Doug Johnson, VP of Solution Architecture at Acumatica, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming ERP systems in the manufacturing industry.

Retaining Top Talent & Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude in Manufacturing Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals. Speaker: Lisa Ryan, CSP The manufacturing industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining talent. In this interactive workshop, Lisa Ryan will explore how leaders can create a workplace culture rooted in appreciation, purpose, and engagement.  Learning Outcomes:  Explore the five key drivers of employee engagement in manufacturing  Learn practical ways to foster a positive, productive culture  Understand how gratitude impacts retention and leadership effectiveness  Walk away with tools to create an environment where employees feel valued and connected     

Trailblazers in Smart Manufacturing: Women Leading Innovation Join a panel of influential women who are shaping the future of smart manufacturing. Learn from their personal journeys, challenges, and leadership insights.  Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals. Panelists Include:  Jane Arnold, Chief Customer Officer, APERIO  Carley Mollica, Ph.D., MRC Program Manager, Lockheed Martin  Supriya Puragundla, Senior Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS)  Suzy Teele, Chief Strategy Officer, ARM Institute  Facilitated by: Jennifer Coyne, Director of Programs, The Barnes Global Advisors    Learning Outcomes:  Gain insights into the latest smart manufacturing innovations  Understand the unique challenges and leadership lessons from women in the field  Discover strategies to advance your career and impact 

Dr. Cassandra Higham from Castrol joins Associate Editor Cary Gitter on Advanced Manufacturing Now to discuss how intelligent lubrication is transforming maintenance from reactive to predictive. Dr. Haim also shares how Castrol's latest innovation—Smart Coolant—is setting new benchmarks in coolant management, helping manufacturers reduce waste, control costs, and extend equipment life.

Manufacturing is at a pivotal crossroad. Rapid advances in automation, AI, and industrial IoT are transforming the shop floor, creating an urgent need for a new generation of skilled workers. But how do we build a workforce ready to keep up with this technological wave? In this episode, we go Inside SME's Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC), a national initiative dedicated to answering that question. We sit down with Dr. Deb Volzer, SME's Vice President of Workforce Development, to discuss how this program is reshaping the collaboration between community colleges, employers, and local organizations to solve America's skilled labor crisis. What you'll learn: Why the Workforce Challenge Exists: America's competitiveness hinges on closing the widening skills gap caused by unprecedented technological change. The Power of Community College Hubs: How 25 colleges across 17 states are using innovative strategy sessions—like the "sticky storm" design thinking exercise—to align community resources and create hyper-local talent pipelines. Piloting New Approaches: Hear about the initiative's success using AI-powered chat tools for targeted social media marketing, reaching hundreds of thousands of prospective students and uncovering thousands of potential learners in just a few weeks. Critical Takeaways: Dr. Volzer shares three vital lessons from the first year, including the looming faculty shortage crisis and the essential role of continuous industry dialogue to keep curriculum current. This conversation is a blueprint for how communities can future-proof their workforce and ensure manufacturing remains strong in America.

In this special Manufacturing Month episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Steve Plumb, Editor-in-Chief of SME Media, is joined by a powerhouse panel of workforce development leaders: Jeannine Kunz, Executive Director and CEO of SME; Erica Logan, Workforce Development Director of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Industrial Base Program; and Joe Barto, Program Leader of the Navy's Talent Pipeline Program. Together, they dive deep into one of the most urgent issues facing U.S. manufacturing today, the growing talent gap.

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is demanding Aerospace parts at Automotive rates.  Learn from aerospace and automotive industry leaders who will share the unique manufacturing, quality and inspection requirements for aerospace composites and current challenges to high-rate manufacturing.  Insights from manufacturing experts with a command of high volume production will also be discussed.  Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge from aerospace composite manufacturing experts from the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) who will elaborate on the current state and propose solutions to high-rate manufacturing of AAM composites.   Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for a more interactive experience with visuals.  SPEAKERS: Nick Gianaris, PhD, PE Principal Technical Consultant, Nexight Group Doug Decker, FSME President of the Composites Consultants Ben Dietsch VP, Arsenal, Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. Sana Elyas Industrial Collaborations-Composites Innovation & Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies, Oak Ridge National Laboratory  

Confused about the difference between a certificate of completion, a certification, and an industry-recognized credential? You're not aloneOn this episode of the "Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow" podcast, host Toni Neary welcomes Montez King, Executive Director of NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills), to break down what these terms really mean, why industry-recognized credentials matter, and how certifications evolve to stay relevant. From understanding standards to renewal requirements and the importance of independent validation, this conversation will help you navigate professional development with clarity and confidence.

Jay Jessen, director of Lawrence Tech's Marburger STEM Center and 2025 STEM Director of the Year, joins Advanced Manufacturing Now to discuss hands-on STEM education, breaking down access barriers,and preparing students for the future of work. 

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