Bridging Gaps in Manufacturing

Bridging Gaps in Manufacturing: SMI is a nonprofit focused on servicing small manufacturers and school programs. Their mission: to build local industry ecosystems by connecting manufacturers, educators, students, and communities. Through regional networks and strategic collaboration, SMI works to:

• Revive manufacturing education in schools
• Grow skilled workforces
• Support profitable growth for small manufacturers
• Strengthen community economies

Key Programs & Initiatives

Here are some noteworthy SMI efforts:

• Fast Break — A core program designed to change students’ lives by exposing them to manufacturing pathways.
• Skillz Club — Mentorship for Fast Break graduates, helping propel them toward sustainable success.
• Apprenticeships — SMI matches companies, employees, and students for credentialed training opportunities.
• Regional Networking — Local leadership structures to boost communication, convenience, and community among manufacturing stakeholders.
• Research & Model Development — SMI conducts industry surveys and partners with content providers to produce practical models and insights.

Why It Matters

Some compelling stats shared by SMI:

• 98.6% of manufacturing firms in the U.S. are small businesses
• 75.3% have fewer than 20 employees
• 8.6% of the American workforce is employed in manufacturing
• 52% of open positions are at risk of going unfilled because of skills shortages

These figures reveal both opportunity and challenge: small manufacturers are numerous, but often under-supported — and there’s a widening skills gap threatening their sustainability.

The Bigger Picture: Transforming Communities

SMI’s vision extends beyond factories and training centers. Their work contributes to:

• Economic vitality — by helping small manufacturers thrive
• Workforce development — by giving students real paths into industry
• Community resilience — by anchoring jobs and opportunity locally

In California, for instance, manufacturing accounts for 7.72% of the workforce and over $316 billion in output (as of 2018). SMI’s efforts in that region aim to close gaps between potential and performance.