Manufacturing Mentoring Program Part of President Obama’s Plan for High-Skilled Workers

Dearborn, Mich. — June 14

On June 8, the White House hosted an event focused on building the educated and skilled workforce U.S. manufacturers need to successfully compete in the 21st century economy.

President Obama outlined seven programs to support the goal of providing 500,000 more skilled workers for the manufacturing industry within the next five years. Mentoring high school and college students is one of the ways this will be accomplished.

“Last year, we launched Skills for America’s Future to bring together companies and community colleges around a simple idea: making it easier for workers to gain new skills will make America more competitive in the global economy,” said President Barack Obama. “Today, we are announcing a number of partnerships that will help us make this a reality, by opening doors to new jobs for workers, and helping employers find the trained people they need to compete against companies around the world.”

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the SME Education Foundation, is partnering with the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the National Academy Foundation and General Dynamics – Ordnance and Tactical Systems, to provide more than 1,000 mentorships every year for the next five years, continuing their long tradition of mentoring high school and college students, teachers, counselors and administrators on the requirements for a career in the high-skilled, high-tech environment of the 21st century manufacturing plant.

“This is about leveraging the knowledge of the current workforce to ensure a strong industrial base for years to come,” said Mark Tomlinson, executive director/CEO of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. “Professionals who are passionate about making things can share their enthusiasm with the next generation. That’s how to engage them — get the kids hooked on the thrill of seeing an idea become a reality.”

As a founding partner in the Manufacturing Institute’s NAM-Endorsed Skills Certification System, SME will also play a role in the White House’s strategy to credential 500,000 community college students with skills certifications aligned to manufacturers’ hiring needs.