Tooling U-SME

Congratulations to Matrix Human Services, the recipient of SME’s 2026 Workforce Development Innovations Award!

By creating flexible, industry-aligned training programs and removing barriers to employment, Matrix is helping Detroit residents build meaningful careers in manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Their impact speaks for itself:
✔️ 84% retention rate
✔️ 84% completion rate
✔️ 73% credential attainment rate
✔️ 81% job placement rate

Through short-term, stackable training pathways, hands-on learning experiences, and comprehensive learner support, Matrix is connecting individuals to in-demand careers while helping employers address critical workforce needs.

We're proud to recognize Matrix Human Services for its commitment to workforce innovation, equitable access to opportunity, and the development of a skilled, future-ready manufacturing workforce. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3oBQ

📢 Michigan K-12 Districts: Round 2 of the Michigan CTE Expansion Grant (Section 61v) is officially open!

Funding up to $400,000 per program is available to launch or expand high-quality CTE pathways, including advanced manufacturing, robotics, and AI. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2026. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3gFc

Join us next week on June 17 at 11:00 AM ET for Root Cause Analysis That Actually Works. A practical webinar designed to help manufacturing leaders and teams move beyond temporary fixes and build sustainable solutions.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:
✔️ A framework for successful Root Cause Analysis
✔️ Tools to permanently resolve recurring issues
✔️ Controls to sustain improvements over time
✔️ How organizational culture impacts lasting results

Save your spot: https://brnw.ch/21x3fjl

Manufacturing leaders don’t need more networking. They need a trusted circle to solve real business challenges.

SME Executive Edge is an online executive cohort built for Presidents, Owners, and CEOs of small to mid-size manufacturers — designed to help leaders make better decisions, faster through confidential, professionally facilitated peer discussions. Learn More: https://brnw.ch/21x3cu0

✔️ 10 monthly online sessions
✔️ Practical peer learning
✔️ Manufacturing leaders from across the country
✔️ 12 limited seats available

Apply Early: https://brnw.ch/21x3cu0

Facing upcoming retirements among long-tenured tool and die makers, Pella Windows and Doors partnered with Tooling U-SME Talent & Workforce Services manufacturing consulting to accelerate qualification and prepare the next generation of skilled talent through career progression modeling and blended training.

“We had a lot of talent but didn’t have a distribution curve in terms of experience in our die area,” said Kurtis Webb, Engineering Manager at Pella Corporation. “That’s what led us to think more intentionally about how to accelerate that learning curve — so we’d have people ready as others retire.”

Learn how Tooling U-SME helps manufacturers accelerate time to proficiency: https://brnw.ch/21x367F

Partnership Helps Pella Corporation Accelerate Qualification Through Career Progression Modeling

What does it take to reduce manufacturing workforce attrition and build a stronger workforce?

Textron Aviation tackled the challenge head-on with a 100,000 sq. ft. Career & Learning Center, an 85/15 hands-on training model, and employee support programs focused on retention and long-term success. The results: improved retention for employees with less than one year tenure by 15%.

✈️ Learn More: https://brnw.ch/21x3422

The future of manufacturing and skilled trades is in good hands 🤝

For our first episode of season two of Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow, we sat down with SkillsUSA Executive Director, Chelle Travis. From leadership development and technical excellence to the changing perception of skilled trades careers, the conversation highlighted why organizations like SkillsUSA are critical to strengthening the workforce pipeline.

We're at SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference this week—take a listen and come say hi! Available on all of your favorite podcast platforms and our website: https://brnw.ch/21x31RP

Tooling U-SME is heading to Space Tech Expo in Anaheim, CA, June 3–4. Visit us at booth 114 to explore our aerospace and electronics manufacturing training classes, certifications, and workforce development solutions designed to support onboarding, upskilling, and retention.

We look forward to connecting with manufacturers focused on building a stronger aerospace workforce. 🚀 https://brnw.ch/21x2Wnp

Why do manufacturers continue investing in workforce development? Because workforce capability drives productivity, operational performance, and innovation.

At SME FUSION, John Hindman, Director of Talent & Workforce Services at Tooling U-SME, shared how manufacturers can build a stronger business case for training by connecting workforce investment directly to measurable business outcomes.

Missed the session? Read the full story:

Deliver an Effective Business Case for Manufacturing Training Connect manufacturing training to measurable business results. Learn how to align programs to productivity, retention, and ROI to build a strong, data-driven business case.

CoorsTek—leading global manufacturer of technical ceramics, including solutions to complex challenges in the semiconductor, medical, aerospace, energy, and other industries—has been named the recipient of the SME 2026 Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award, recognizing its industry-leading commitment to workforce development.

🔗 Learn More: https://brnw.ch/21x2Jae