Workforce Development Research
The portfolio showcases several significant workforce development projects. The Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge, developed by SME in partnership with community and technical colleges, addresses the manufacturing industry's workforce shortage and skills gap by aiming to attract and develop 75,000 skilled workers annually. The Arkansas Skills Gap Study, supported by a U.S. Department of Commerce grant, identified key workforce development needs through comprehensive surveys and focus groups, enhancing educational alignment and optimizing workforce strategies. Additionally, SME's new Electric Vehicle (EV) training and certification programs, including the Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) and Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging and Assembly (EVBPA) certifications, are designed to meet the high demand for electrification skills and support workforce upskilling in the growing EV market, targeting over 100,000 potential workers.
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Manufacturing Imperative Research
I led the regional and state workforce research for SME's new initiative in partnership with community and technical colleges. This program, called the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge, aims to address the manufacturing industry's workforce shortage and skills gap. By combining SME's industry expertise with the educational innovations of select colleges, the initiative seeks to attract and develop 75,000 skilled workers annually, enhancing the manufacturing talent pipeline and supporting local economies.
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Read more: SME Press Release
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State of Arkansas: Manufacturing Landscape
I led the regional and state workforce research for the Arkansas Skills Gap Study, conducted by SME to address the state's growing need for skilled manufacturing workers. This comprehensive study, supported by a planning activities grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, involved surveys of over 1,000 manufacturers and 400 students, along with eight regional focus groups. Utilizing labor market intelligence and neuroscience-based assessments, we identified key skills gaps and workforce development needs. The findings aim to enhance educational alignment, optimize workforce strategies, and support economic growth in Arkansas' manufacturing sector.
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Full Report:
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Electric Vehicle Certification
SME's New EV Training and Certification Programs
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I led the research and analysis of labor and skills to develop SME's new Electric Vehicle (EV) training and certification programs. These include the Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) certification and the Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging and Assembly (EVBPA) certification. These initiatives aim to reach over 100,000 potential workers, addressing the high demand for electrification skills by providing essential training for roles in EV battery handling, component manufacturing, and safety, aligning with industry needs and supporting workforce upskilling in the growing EV market.
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Read more: SME Press Release and EVBPA Certification
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Project Name
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