The Manufacturing Institute’s AI Training Efforts Get a Boost From Google
Google.org donated $10 million to AI education programs
The Manufacturing Institute (MI) recognizes that companies and their workers might have a difficult time with change, and that dynamic has been especially true when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). As a nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), MI has been working to prepare companies for an AI-driven future.
“So much of the narrative around AI and the workplace is fear-based,” MI President Carolyn Lee said in a statement. “One thing we have learned in manufacturing time and again is that as new technologies are introduced, it is essential to ensure our workers build the skills needed to engage. AI is transforming our world, and preparing our workers to engage and deploy these tools will set them and manufacturers up for success.”
Earlier this spring, Google decided to help with MI’s efforts, donating $10 million so that MI can develop AI skills training for the manufacturing workforce and expand employer-led apprenticeship programs via MI’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME USA), according to a statement when the Google investment was announced. The initiative is part of Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund that helps Americans learn AI skills at no cost in collaboration with workforce development and education organizations nationwide.
A Need for Training
Google.org Global Head Maggie Johnson says her company wants manufacturers to have access to the best technology for the job.
“This initiative will bring hands-on AI skills to the shop floor, helping manufacturing students and workers shape this new era of American innovation,” Johnson says.
The U.S. is facing a significant manufacturing skills gap, MI notes. By 2033, it is projected that nearly 1.9 million manufacturing roles could go unfilled if the workforce is not equipped with the necessary technical skills.
MI intends to use the funds to develop two new courses for shop floor workers: AI 101 for Manufacturing and Advanced AI for Manufacturing Technicians. The 101 course will contextualize existing AI training from Google specifically for the manufacturing environment, while the AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course will be newly developed by MI.
The funding will help MI provide Google’s new AI Professional Certificate to current and future manufacturing workers at no cost, it also says.
More Information
MI has created an “AI Skills Training” site that provides more details on next steps and other information. The site offers a way for users to sign up for updates about when the AI training will launch.
It also provides more details about the state of manufacturing, referencing its research through the “Future of Manufacturing Project.”
About half of manufacturers use AI in their operations, according to the Manufacturing Leadership Council. And 82% of workers lack the skills to leverage AI effectively, according to research by the council. Furthermore, only 19% of manufacturers offer AI-related training.
Expansion Across the Country
As part of the Google initiative, MI will launch new FAME chapters in at least 15 new regions, while developing and embedding the AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course across all FAME chapters. “This will help develop a pipeline of skilled maintenance technicians, ensuring this critical segment of the workforce gains the skills needed to deploy and engage with AI effectively,” MI says.
As part of Google.org’s overall mission, the company applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone.
For example, Google.org also supports the mikeroweWORKS Foundation in providing Work Ethic Scholarships to FAME students, a program that provides financial assistance to eligible participants completing their manufacturing programs.
“This builds on Google’s previous commitment to support infrastructure and skilled trades,” the statement added. “Google recently announced a similar effort with the electrical training ALLIANCE to train electrical workers throughout the country.”
