The National Association of Manufacturers has offered several policy suggestions to federal lawmakers to support the manufacturing workforce development. They include:

• Expanding the Pell Grant program to include short-term education models and skills training;
• Investing in apprenticeship and earn-and-learn programs;
• Promoting attainment of industry-based credentials as a way to complete community and technical colleges;
• Increasing the amount of tax-exempt educational assistance employers can provide;
• Prioritizing employer leadership in federal discretionary grant competitions; and
• Reforming federal work-study programs to highlight career-focused skills.

Read more about NAM’s workforce policy recommendations. 10/24/2023