AMO Director Dr. Mark Johnson (center) discusses manufacturing and workforce development at the White House Economic Development Forum in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on July 21.

On Thursday, July 21, leading economic development professionals from around the country gathered at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC for the 2016 White House Economic Development Forum. Hosted by SelectUSA, the White House National Economic Council, and the International Economic Development Council, the day-long event included presentations and panel discussions designed to focus on topics critical to long-term U.S economic competitiveness.

Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) Director Dr. Mark Johnson was invited to participate on a panel about “Manufacturing and Workforce Development.” He was joined by Gerri Fiala, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor and Phillip Singerman, Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Each panelist discussed the innovative programs and services available within their department to help communities and manufacturers leverage and integrate technologies and advanced systems into production.

Dr. Johnson discussed the importance of innovation and workforce development. He explained that as we develop new tools and technologies, we have to translate that information out to the manufacturing workforce and equip people with the information and knowledge necessary to maximize their talents. Technology can actually be a tool we use to advance our workforce as we develop new ideas here and train workers who are uniquely skilled in all aspects of the manufacture, maintenance, and use of innovative technologies right here in the U.S. He also stressed the significance of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) institutes’ partnerships with universities to advanced innovation. The leaders selected to spearhead each of the three awarded institutes supported by AMO will continue to help build a community and innovation ecosystem, and a major part of that responsibility involves workforce development in tandem with technology-based innovation. Dr. Johnson offered the traineeship and fellowship programs supported by AMO as another example of strategic investments in the workforce. These programs provide training for people with specialized skills in engineering or science and serve as a “finishing school” to teach them the remaining skills in energy management and clean energy that are highly sought after by manufacturers.  

Building a skilled manufacturing workforce is crucial to sustaining our country’s economic competitiveness. Investing in workforce development not only benefits manufacturers, but it also keeps jobs here in the United States. AMO continues to support programs that prepare workers with the knowledge and skills in clean energy and energy efficiency that are required to meet the needs of U.S. manufacturers.  

For more information on workforce development opportunities offered by the Advanced Manufacturing Office, click here