The manufacturing sector is getting some assistance in helping to reskill/upskill workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 8 the Next program of the Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow (LIFT) received a million dollars.This award provides support to both individuals and employers as the ‘post-pandemic’ economy emerges which can put work
The award which came through the National Institute of Standards and Technology was funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It enables LIFT to provide training to 250 workers in CNC machine operations, industrial technology maintenance, welding and robotics in Detroit and Pittsburgh.LIFT is a Manufacturing USA institute operated by the American Lightweight Materials Innovation Institute (ALMMII) and is based in Detroit.
“We have seen this pandemic drastically impact our nation’s manufacturing base, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers, and it is up to institutes like ours, along with our partners in the public and private sectors, to help get these businesses and their workers back on track as the nation emerges from shutdowns,” Nigel Francis, CEO of LIFF said in a statement.“Operation Next is one of our most successful and impactful programs, and we are proud to expand it to industry.”
Initially launched in 2018 as a pilot program at Fort Campbell, Ky., Operation Next is a manufacturing-focused training and credentialing initiative for separating military personnel. This marks the second expansion of Operation Next and the first into the commercial industrial sector. In late-2019, LIFT announced the Department of Defense would support the program’s expansion to nine new bases around the country over the next three years.
LIFT will engage with small and medium manufacturers through Catalyst Connection, a Pennsylvania Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan.
