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SME Seeks Nominations for 2023 Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award

Honoring Industry Leaders in Workforce Development

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., December 6, 2022 — SME, the professional association committed to advancing manufacturing and developing a skilled workforce, has announced that nominations are now open for the 2023 SME Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award. The award, established in 2020, honors innovative best practices in training programs focused on building a high-performing incumbent and future workforce.

The demands and challenges involved in the adoption of advanced and emerging technology and an ongoing exit of experienced, knowledgeable baby boomers from the workforce require manufacturers to develop a workforce skilled in current tools, equipment, materials, and processes. A highly competitive labor market means that training and upskilling are key elements of a company’s retention strategy.

SME established the Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award to annually recognize manufacturers implementing best practices to reduce the skills gap and build a high-performance workforce with training programs employing defined performance-based competency models, learning solutions aligned with business and job needs, establishment of formalized training, structured on-the-job training (OJT) programs, and measurement of training programs to ensure positive impact.

“Companies today must recognize the opportunity and value of investing in their workforce,” said Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Tooling U-SME, the workforce development division of SME. “The Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award spotlights manufacturers who understand the key role of talent in sustainable business success – they demonstrate an exceptional commitment and dedication to talent development, recruitment and retention."

The nomination and application period runs through February 20, 2023 and is open to all manufacturers.

Each application will be judged on an organization’s demonstration of the following criteria: 

  • Policies and Procedures
  • Job Definition  
  • Curriculum  
  • Quality and Continuous Improvement
  • Training Infrastructure


The award recipient, to be announced in May, will receive an official award for display, participation in a Tooling U-SME webinar or podcast about their program, and a recognition and publicity program from SME.

For more information and to apply, go to https://go.toolingu.com/award23.

About SME
SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With 90 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through the SME Education Foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or https://www.linkedin.com/company/sme.