The Manufacturing Institute

What The Manufacturing Institute does

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization operates a portfolio of national programs aimed at closing the U.S. manufacturing talent gap, which the MI sizes at over 400,000 current open jobs and a projected 1.9–3.8 million unfilled positions by 2033. Core programs include FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), an earn-and-learn apprenticeship model originally founded by Toyota in 2010 and led by MI since 2019, now spanning 52 chapters across 19 states with approximately 400 employer partners; Heroes MAKE America, which transitions military veterans into manufacturing roles via career fairs at installations including Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Carson, and Fort Riley; STEP Ahead, an annual recognition program honoring 145+ manufacturing leaders; MFG Day and Creators Wanted, which target youth career awareness; Second Chance Hiring; Skills Certifications; and a newly launched AI Skills Training line (AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians). MI is governed by NAM and led by President Carolyn Lee and Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick, with program-level national directors for FAME USA, STEP Ahead, Heroes MAKE America, and Student Engagement. Reported program outcomes for FAME are 85% on-time graduation, 95% full-time placement with sponsoring employers, and 87% three-year retention.

MI's revenue model is grant- and philanthropy-driven rather than fee-for-service. Core workforce programs are free to participants; revenue is generated through corporate and foundation grants, event registration (Workforce Summit at $890 early bird / $1,190 standard), and corporate sponsorship of awards, conferences, and program initiatives. Named major funders and partners include Google.org ($10M for AI skills training, April 2026), GE Aerospace Foundation ($30M over 5 years plus $500K for Heroes MAKE America), Siemens Foundation ($9.25M backbone investment in the Careers Electric Coalition), Anheuser-Busch (co-investment alongside a $600M U.S. manufacturing build-out), Toyota (FAME founder), Johnson & Johnson (Heroes MAKE America health care supporter), Amatrol (exclusive FAME equipment sponsor), BASF, and a broad bench of NAM-aligned manufacturers including Dow, General Motors, Goodyear, Howmet Aerospace, Nucor, Stanley Black & Decker, Trane Technologies, and Winnebago. Distribution is delivered through a hybrid model: a national FAME chapter network operated in partnership with community colleges and economic development organizations, on-base military career fairs, virtual information sessions, monthly Solution Series webinars, and the annual Workforce Summit in Indianapolis.

Name

The Manufacturing Institute

Legal name

The Manufacturing Institute

Website

https://themanufacturinginstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Manufacturing Institute is the 501(c)(3) workforce development affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, running national programs — FAME apprenticeships, Heroes MAKE America veteran transition, STEP Ahead, AI Skills Training, and MFG Day — to close a projected 1.9–3.8 million U.S. manufacturing jobs gap by 2033.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Manufacturing (EDABALAP)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education & Training Providers (EDABALAI), Human Resources & Talent (EDAAAPAM), Workforce, Employability & Youth Skills Partnerships (EDADALAI), Cross-Cultural Competence & Inclusion (EDABAMAJ)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Manufacturing education programs
• Apprenticeship training programs
• Veteran workforce transition
• Skills certification pathways

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Grants and Philanthropic Funding: The MI operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization that relies primarily on grants and philanthropic funding from corporations and foundations. Major funders include Google.org ($10 million for AI skills training), GE Aerospace Foundation ($30 million commitment, $500,000 for Heroes MAKE America), and corporate sponsors for events and programs.
2. Event Registration Fees: The annual Workforce Summit charges registration fees ($890 early bird, $1,190 standard) to attend sessions, meals, and networking events. The FAME National Conference and STEP Ahead Awards Gala also generate revenue through attendee registration and sponsorship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Manufacturing Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers that delivers earn-and-learn apprenticeship training, veteran transition programs, leadership recognition, AI skills training, and career awareness campaigns to address U.S. manufacturing talent shortages. Programs are delivered through a national FAME chapter network spanning 52 chapters across 19 states, employer partnerships, and community college collaborations, with services provided free to participants and funded by corporate sponsors, philanthropic grants, and event fees.

Product overview

The Manufacturing Institute operates as a workforce development and education nonprofit offering a portfolio of interconnected programs. Core offerings include FAME (an earn-and-learn apprenticeship model for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians), AI Skills Training programs (AI 101 for Manufacturing and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians), Heroes MAKE America (veteran workforce transition), STEP Ahead (leadership recognition and mentorship), MFG Day (student career awareness), Creators Wanted (youth engagement), Second Chance Hiring (justice-impacted employment), Skills Certifications (industry credentials), Innovators Quest (youth STEM), and the annual Workforce Summit event. Programs are delivered through employer partnerships, community colleges, and workforce development organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education): Premier advanced manufacturing workforce development and education program providing earn-and-learn apprenticeship training for advanced manufacturing technicians.
• Heroes MAKE America
• Creators Wanted
• MFG Day (Manufacturing Day)
• STEP Ahead

Products and services

• FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) Premier advanced manufacturing workforce development and education program offering earn-and-learn apprenticeship model that trains students to become highly skilled Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMTs) through classroom instruction combined with paid on-the-job training. Delivered through 52 chapters in 19 states with nearly 400 employer partners.
• Heroes MAKE America Workforce transition program facilitating military veterans' entry into manufacturing careers through credential integration, career fairs at military installations (Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Carson, Fort Riley), virtual information sessions, and talent network platform.
• STEP Ahead National leadership recognition and mentorship program supporting manufacturing leaders from shop floor to C-suite through annual awards (145+ leaders honored in 2026), mentorship programs, and alumni community.
• MFG Day (Manufacturing Day) Annual nationwide initiative held on the first Friday in October encouraging manufacturers to open doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders to showcase modern manufacturing careers.
• AI Skills Training AI workforce preparation initiative featuring AI 101 for Manufacturing (free online course) and AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians curriculum integrated into FAME program. Targets equipping 40,000 workers with AI skills.
• Second Chance Hiring Workforce inclusion program helping manufacturers implement second chance hiring practices for justice-impacted individuals through toolkits, case studies, and roundtable discussions, developed with Stand Together and the Charles Koch Institute.
• Skills Certifications Industry-recognized credentials and certification pathways enabling workers to attain validated skills for advanced manufacturing workplaces.
• Creators Wanted National youth engagement campaign building awareness of modern manufacturing career pathways and changing perceptions about manufacturing careers among students, parents, and educators.
• Innovators Quest Gamified experience for grades 4-9 helping students discover strengths while encountering tasks incorporating core manufacturing skills and STEM concepts.
• Workforce Summit Annual premier workforce event (October 26-28, 2026 in Indianapolis) bringing together manufacturing leaders, HR professionals, educators, and workforce development experts to explore talent pipeline development, AI skills, and workforce strategies.
• Manufacturing Readiness Badges Skills validation badges helping transitioning service members and veterans showcase manufacturing competencies to potential employers.
• Solution Series Monthly webinar series offering manufacturers actionable insights addressing workforce challenges through case studies and expert discussions on topics like second chance hiring, onboarding, retention, and skills development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% of FAME students graduate on time
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• NovonesisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Novonesis served as national flagship host site for Manufacturing Day 2025, welcoming hundreds of students to facilities in North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Partnered with Rinck Advertising on PRSA Silver Anvil Award-winning campaign.
• Anheuser-BuschcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Anheuser-Busch invested $600 million in U.S. manufacturing operations (2025-2026) and expanded partnership with Heroes MAKE America for veteran hiring through credential integration and talent network platform. Will open 15 new technical skills training centers.
• Johnson & JohnsoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026Johnson & Johnson is official health care supporter of Heroes MAKE America since 2021. Working with MI on plans for new FAME chapter in Jacksonville. Participates in Heroes career fairs and facility tours. J&J invested $1B+ in Jacksonville manufacturing.
• Manufacturing Leadership CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026MI references Manufacturing Leadership Council research showing 50%+ of manufacturers already use AI in operations but key gaps exist. MI's AI training directly addresses these gaps identified by the Council.
• AmatrolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2025Amatrol became exclusive FAME training equipment and content sponsor for advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and smart manufacturing. Extended Diamond Sponsorship of FAME National Conference. Also Gold Sponsor of MI Workforce Summit. Supports FAME chapters with training resources.
• Toyota (FAME Founder)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2025FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) was founded by Toyota in 2010. The MI has led FAME nationally since 2019. Toyota's quality standards and earn-and-learn model underpin the program.
• mikeroweWORKS FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoogle.org funding also supports mikeroweWORKS Foundation to provide Work Ethic Scholarships to FAME students, offering financial assistance to eligible participants completing manufacturing programs.
• Guild (Premier Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGuild is Premier Sponsor of the 2026 Workforce Summit.
• Smurfit Westrock (Welcome Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSmurfit Westrock is Welcome Sponsor of the 2026 Workforce Summit.
• Amatrol (Gold Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmatrol is Gold Sponsor of the 2026 Workforce Summit.
• Indeavor (Gold Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndeavor is Gold Sponsor of the 2026 Workforce Summit.
• GEA (Silver Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGEA is Silver Sponsor of the 2026 Workforce Summit.
• Arconic FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArconic Foundation is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and STEP Ahead programs.
• Atlas CopcominorGTM or Marketing PartnerAtlas Copco is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.
• DowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDow is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and STEP Ahead programs.
• General MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGeneral Motors is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and STEP Ahead programs.
• GoodyearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodyear is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.
• Howmet AerospaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHowmet Aerospace is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and STEP Ahead programs. Howmet Foundation co-presents webinar on Preventing Burnout.
• Louisiana-Pacific (LP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLouisiana-Pacific is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.
• TimkenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTimken is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.
• NucorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNucor is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and STEP Ahead programs.
• Stanley Black & DeckerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStanley Black & Decker is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.
• Trane TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrane Technologies is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives and presenting at Workforce Summit on career progression.
• WinnebagominorGTM or Marketing PartnerWinnebago is a partner supporting Employee Engagement initiatives.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Per Scholas: Nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and IT training with employer-led hiring pipelines. Comparable earn-and-learn, employer-sponsored model, though concentrated in IT rather than manufacturing.
• mikeroweWORKS Foundation: Foundation promoting skilled trades careers and providing Work Ethic Scholarships, already partnering with MI on FAME scholarships. Comparable focus on changing perceptions of skilled trades and providing financial aid to trade-program students.
• Business Leaders United: Employer-led coalition advocating for workforce development policy and practice, with a strong manufacturing employer base. Comparable as a corporate-driven voice on US workforce and apprenticeship policy.

Direct peers

• Year Up: Workforce development nonprofit providing earn-and-learn training, credentials, and employer placement for young adults. Comparable earn-and-learn model and employer partnership approach, though focused on tech and business services rather than manufacturing.
• SkillsUSA: National nonprofit that delivers career and technical education, including middle and high school students, in skilled trades and manufacturing-adjacent fields. Directly comparable mission of building the US skilled trades talent pipeline through schools, chapters, and competitions.
• National Fund for Workforce Solutions: National nonprofit focused on regional workforce partnerships that connect employers, workers, and training providers. Comparable model of funder-backed, employer-led workforce development and intermediary role.
• Jobs for the Future: National nonprofit that designs and scales workforce and education programs, with a manufacturing practice and apprenticeship initiatives. Closely comparable as a workforce development intermediary that partners with employers, community colleges, and government.

Broad incumbents

• ApprenticeshipUSA (US Department of Labor): Federal government initiative supporting registered apprenticeship expansion across industries including manufacturing. Comparable industry focus on apprenticeship and earn-and-learn, with broader scale and government backing.
• SHRM Foundation: Workforce-focused nonprofit arm of the Society for Human Resource Management, funding HR and workforce research and education. Comparable as a major employer-association-affiliated nonprofit delivering workforce research, credentials, and education.
• Aspen Institute (Future of Work Initiative): Major policy-oriented nonprofit with a Future of Work program that convenes leaders and publishes research on workforce and skills. Comparable as a thought-leadership and convening body shaping US workforce policy and practice.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheMfgInstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheMFGInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-manufacturing-institute-mi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Manufacturing Institute