A Framework for Sustainable Workforce Development by A. O. Smith
July 28, 2026
At SME FUSION, leaders from A. O. Smith, Northeast State Community College, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson shared how manufacturers and educators can work together to build stronger workforce pipelines.
Rivian, Heartland, and DCEO's Unified Framework for Manufacturing Excellence
July 20, 2026
At SME FUSION, the session Standardizing the Sector: Rivian, Heartland, and DCEO's Unified Framework for Manufacturing Excellence explored how manufacturers, education, workforce organizations, and community partners work together to strengthen talent pipelines.
A Mission Driven Blueprint by Raytheon: Strategies to Grow, Retain, and Prepare Engineers for Tomorrow’s Challenges
June 15, 2026
Kassie Diaz of Raytheon (RTX) took the stage at SME FUSION with a message that was both grounded and urgent, offering insight into how the organization is intentionally developing engineering talent to meet future workforce demands.
Soaring Above the Skills Gap: A Comprehensive Strategy for a Winning Workforce by Textron Aviation
May 26, 2026
Textron Aviation transformed manufacturing training and retention through a workforce development strategy focused on employee support, retention, and creating a welcoming destination through its dedicated Career and Learning Center.
How to Deliver an Effective Business Case for Manufacturing Training to Increase Productivity
May 20, 2026
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.
Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Peer Community
October 10, 2025
SME has launched the Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Peer Community, an extension of the conversations and connections made at SME FUSION. This peer group is a place for leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, and share real-world solutions to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Closing the Engineering Skills Gap: Onboarding, Upskilling & Machine Learning in Training
September 18, 2025
The engineering skills gap continues to challenge manufacturers of every size. At SME FUSION 2025, industry leaders came together to share how onboarding, upskilling, and even machine learning are being used to attract, retain, and grow the next generation of engineering talent.
A Diverse Talent Pipeline: Transforming Workforce Development and Employment
September 10, 2025
Explore how inclusion drives the future of work in SME FUSION’s “A Diverse Talent Pipeline” session. Industry leaders, educators, and advocates share strategies, success stories, and partnerships empowering individuals with disabilities preparing a skilled, innovative, and diverse workforce.
Retention from Day One: How AI-Driven Engagement and Stay Interviews Build Stronger Workforces
September 4, 2025
Learn how manufacturers boost retention rom day one with AI-driven engagement and stay interviews
Pathways to Success: Exploring New York’s Talent Development Strategy
September 4, 2025
Discover how New York is strengthening its advanced manufacturing workforce through collaborative apprenticeships. At SME FUSION, leaders from GlobalFounderies, MACNY, and SUNY shared strategies to expand access, align education with employer needs, and build sustainable career pathways.
Improving Maintenance Hiring: Grede Leverages Ready to Hire Program
July 22, 2025
Facing high turnover and a shrinking pool of qualified candidates, Grede partnered with Cengage’s Read to Hire program, a scalable model focused on readiness, retention, and real-world manufacturing needs.
RAMPing Up EV Talent: Rivian and Heartland’s Workforce Strategy
June 9, 2025
At SME FUSION 2025, Rivian, Heartland Community College, and Illinois DCEO shared how they’re solving EV workforce challenges with immersive training, fast-track onboarding, and scalable partnerships.
Integrating A.I. Into Youth Apprenticeships: Lessons from Cummins
April 30, 2025
Cummins-Charleson shared at SME FUSION how they use A.I. and Tooling U-SME to enhance youth apprenticeships, accelerating learning, and increasing access to manufacturing training.
Reducing Machine Downtime With QR Codes at Milwaukee Tool
April 22, 2025
Discover how Milwaukee Tool partnered with Tooling U-SME to cut machine downtime and improve operator performance through QR code-based just-in-time training.
Enhancing Front-Line Leadership: Insights from AMM
October 28, 2024
In today’s competitive landscape, developing front-line leaders is essential for efficiency and long-term success. At tuX 2024, experts on a panel titled “Improving Qualification Programs for Front-Lien Leadership” discussed optimizing these programs.
Soft Skills: Modern Manufacturing Education
October 3, 2024
Aligning educational programs with manufacturing industry needs is more crucial than ever. Gerald Wyatt, CEO at Thinc College and Career Academy, an SME PRIME school, emphasized this during our most recent tuXperiece, highlighting the importance of soft skills in bridging the gap between education and the manufacturing industry.
Upskilling and Reskilling: Industry Insights to Success
September 16, 2024
Join this discussion exploring techniques to improve and optimize front-line leaders’ qualification programs, including fostering development and enhancing operational effectiveness.
PRIME Schools: A Model of Success with Kia Motors
August 27, 2024
This recent tuX session explored the successful partnership among the Georgia Department of Education, Thinc College and Career Academy, a SME PRIME School, and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, and their collaboration’s profound impact on workforce development.

















