Manufacturing Institute launches AI skills training for workforce

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) has launched its AI Skills for Manufacturing Training Suite, a series of free, self-paced online courses designed to prepare the workforce for increasing automation and digital transformation. The initiative aims to provide AI skills training to 40,000 current and future manufacturing workers over the next two years, supported by $10 million in funding from Google.org.

In Alabama, the MI has formalized a partnership with the Alabama Community College System to deliver this training through Calhoun Community College and 23 other state community colleges. The program focuses on helping workers understand how to use AI to troubleshoot problems, access information, and improve quality, rather than replacing human labor.

The launch addresses a significant skills gap in the sector; while more than 50% of manufacturers already deploy AI, a study by the MI and PwC found that 82% of manufacturers report their employees lack the necessary skills to use these tools effectively. Fewer than 20% of manufacturers currently offer formal AI training.