Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing

Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
This industry cluster includes nearly all durable goods manufacturing industries and a number of non-durable goods industries. Technological advances have changed the nature of manufacturing nationwide. Metal and plastics production are increasingly automated, while demand in the areas of powdered metals and chemicals has increased.

When one door closes
Although many of these advances have resulted in job losses in the more manual occupations, demand for high skilled workers has increased. The demand to shift incumbent workers into technology-driven manufacturing jobs has never been more critical. Manufacturing, business, and labor representatives have all embraced a cooperative approach to close this "skills gap". Their efforts have been instrumental in the growth and success of the South Central PA Manufacturing Industry Partnership, an initiative led by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

Outcomes achieved to date include:

• More than 1500 incumbent workers trained
• Engaged over 300 employers and labor; ranging from small, medium and large organizations
• Leveraged over $2 million in cash and in-kind resources targeted to industry efforts

For more information, visit www.mascpa.org.