The Evolving Manufacturing Industry: Skills, Technology, & Workforce Growth

7 snips

Mar 26, 2025

Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute, shares her journey from a manufacturing family to a leader in workforce development. She tackles the pressing challenges in attracting talent and bridging the skills gap. Education initiatives like Heroes MAKE America are highlighted for transitioning veterans into manufacturing roles. Carolyn emphasizes the significance of storytelling in reshaping perceptions of manufacturing careers and discusses how AI and automation are transforming the industry, requiring a blend of technical and core skills.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Carolyn Lee's Manufacturing Upbringing

Carolyn Lee grew up in a manufacturing family, hearing about the importance of skilled workers.
At age 10, she deburred parachute parts, realizing the impact of manufacturing.

INSIGHT

The Manufacturing Institute's Mission

The Manufacturing Institute focuses on workforce development, including attracting, training, and retaining talent.
They research future job trends and emphasize storytelling to change perceptions of manufacturing.

ADVICE

Addressing the Manufacturing Skills Gap

Manufacturers need to fill millions of jobs, but many may go unfilled due to skills gaps.
The "Heroes MAKE America" program helps veterans transition into manufacturing careers.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, to discuss the critical issues shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce. Carolyn shares her journey, from growing up in a manufacturing family to her leadership role at The Manufacturing Institute, where she works to bridge the skills gap and build the workforce of tomorrow.

They talk about the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, the importance of education and training programs like Heroes MAKE America and the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), and how the manufacturing sector is evolving in response to technology and automation. Carolyn also discusses the power of storytelling to change perceptions of manufacturing careers and the impact of initiatives that support military veterans and their families in transitioning to high-demand manufacturing roles.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Bridging talent and manufacturing

(01:03) Carolyn Lee: A Leader in Manufac

(07:32) The Manufacturing Institute's mission

(12:44) Empowering veterans with manufacturing career

(17:49) FAME: Advanced maintenance training

(21:42) The importance of core skills in manufacturing

(23:51) The role of AI and automation in manufacturing

(25:46) The future of manufacturing jobs

(29:33) Heroes MAKE America: Success stories

(30:44) Changing perceptions of manufacturing careers

(36:16) The power of Manufacturing Day

Additional Links and Resources:

Connect with Carolyn Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlee-mi/
Learn more about The Manufacturing Institute: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/
Check out Heroes MAKE America: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/heroes-make-america/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- Bridging the Gap: Investigating the Disconnect Between Supply Chains and the People Who Run Them: https://bit.ly/3F1iZr2
WEBINAR- Unpacking the Latest Tariff Updates, Best Practices & What to Expect Next: https://bit.ly/4ikvdcS
WEBINAR- Lessons Learned from the Trenches: How AI Will Impact the Future of Work: https://bit.ly/3DUnROx
WEBINAR- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2D
WEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLma

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda Luton, Joshua Miranda, and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/evolving-manufacturing-industry-skills-technology-workforce-growth-1408