MxD Learn is launching a suite of training courses that will help meet skills needs, close the talent gap, and propel manufacturers’ adoption of crucial technologies.
Rolling out on MxD’s Virtual Training Center (VTC), the Curriculum and Pathways Integrating Technology and Learning, or CAPITAL, program offers current and future workers and employers free, virtual, self-paced courses for five in-demand manufacturing roles.
“Manufacturing is facing huge worker and skills shortages, with 800,000 unfilled positions in the United States today and a projected 2.1 million openings by 2030,” said Angela Accurso, MxD Learn’s Director of Workforce Programs. “On top of that, the World Economic Forum estimates that by next year, 50% of all current workers will need reskilling.”
“Courses like those we’re launching with CAPITAL,” Accurso added, “are essential to ensuring a competitive and innovative manufacturing economy.”
The courses are tailored for a range of learning levels, from students with little or nor work experience to established workers looking to advance into roles with more responsibility and higher pay. They are:
- Data Annotator, which teaches workers to identify and tag text, images, videos, and audio to help machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) models use that data effectively.
- Manufacturing Analytics Associate, which is centered on how to turn data into insights for better decision-making. (Both this pathway and the Data Annotator class are accessible to entry-level workers, a boost to efforts to build the manufacturing talent pipeline.)
- Supply Chain Cybersecurity Compliance Specialist, giving workers the tools to support the adoption of new standards and processes in cybersecurity to keep companies safe.
- Cybersecurity Analyst, which focuses on cybersecurity readiness, training, and communication.
- Pre-Metaverse (AR/VR) Integration Technologist, delivering the skills needed to research, design, and support immersive tech tools such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and more.
“When we talk about adoption of emerging technologies, we sometimes fail to acknowledge that technology alone is not a competitive edge. We need workers with the skills necessary to implement the technology, and CAPITAL courses will do that,” Accurso said.
Before MxD Learn, MxD’s workforce development program, built the CAPITAL courses, it surveyed more than 150 individuals across the manufacturing ecosystem, engaged more than 100 more through one-on-one meetings and presentations, and received input from its Learn Advisory Committee, a workforce-focused panel with strong industry representation.
“We ensured that the courses we developed are aligned with the skills that the industry has said they need within their workforce,” Accurso said.
Manufacturers, particularly those in the small to mid-sized tier, are resource constrained, she added. And that means time and tools available to dedicate to upskilling workers are limited.
“That is why MxD is excited to launch our program at no cost on our VTC platform, which allows learners to access cutting-edge content from anywhere and at their own pace,” Accurso said. “MxD Learn believes in meeting learners where they are.”
Additionally, Accurso said, these courses are available to the public, and companies do not have to be MxD members to participate.
“While individual learners can register for the courses (and access them immediately once they go live), we are also offering pilot partnerships with employers that would like their workers to take these courses,” she said. “The courses are free, plus MxD Learn provides more back-end technical support to employers.”
Employers interested in exploring pilot partnerships can contact MxD Learn at mxdlearn@mxdusa.org.