Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Peer Community

The workforce challenges facing manufacturing aren’t theoretical: they’re here now. Companies across industries are grappling with how to onboard new hires faster, upskill current employees, and transfer knowledge from a retiring generation of experts. 

That’s why SME has launched the Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Peer Community, an extension of the conversations and connections made at SME FUSION. This peer group is a place for leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, and share real-world solutions to strengthen the workforce pipeline. 

Why Workforce 2030 Matters 

• By 2030, an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled if the skills gap isn’t addressed (Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, 2021). 
• 77% of manufacturers report ongoing difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, a challenge that cuts across all sectors (NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 2024). 
• Apprenticeships and structured training programs remain among the most effective ways to build a future-ready workforce (U.S. DOL, Apprenticeship.gov). 

Extending SME FUSION Year-Round 

At SME FUSION, attendees engaged in actionable sessions focused on workforce development strategies. This Peer Community takes those conversations further, with quarterly virtual sessions designed to spotlight member experiences, case studies, and open discussion. 

Each meeting features: 

• Member-led presentations on apprenticeship and training models. 
• Guest speakers offering case studies and lessons learned. 
• Peer discussion to share what’s working and what isn’t. 

Recent Agenda Highlights 

Our most recent Peer Community session focused on apprenticeship pathways, a critical strategy for addressing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce gaps. The roundtable discussion featured:  

• Tool & Die Registered Apprenticeship Program – Annette Chapman, Eaton 
• Maintenance Non-Registered Apprenticeship Program – Walter Brown, Fairlife 
• Pre-Apprenticeship/Youth Apprenticeship Program – Samantha Burns, Viega 

These programs illustrate how companies can adapt both registered and non-registered models to meet urgent skills needs. The ROI is proven: the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that employers earn an average of $1.47 for every $1 invested in apprenticeship programs.

What’s Next 

The Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Peer Community is designed to grow with member input. Each quarter, we’ll explore a new theme, highlight case studies, and provide space for open dialogue. Participation is flexible; members don’t need to attend every session to remain valuable contributors. 

This is more than a meeting series. It’s a professional community dedicated to solving one of the most urgent challenges in manufacturing: preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s demands. We hope you’ll join us as we continue the conversation sparked at SME FUSION and build the workforce of tomorrow, together. 

If you would like to join the community, contact us for more information.