Talent Pathways into Manufacturing Panel at the Kentucky Industry Conference

[Image: Mi2FallConference24 BreakoutSession Final 15 websize]

The inaugural Kentucky Industry Conference brought together thought leaders and innovators to address pressing challenges in manufacturing. On Oct. 29th, MI2 helped lead a session on Talent Pathways into Manufacturing, which showcased the power of collaboration in building a stronger workforce. This panel discussion explored strategies for developing and sustaining talent pipelines essential to Kentucky's manufacturing success.

Moderated by MI2 Talent and Workforce Deputy Luke Ramsay, the session highlighted actionable insights on workforce development. Ramsay’s leadership in the Talent & Workforce Track underscored MI2’s commitment to solving critical labor shortages by fostering partnerships and innovative programs that benefit both employers and job seekers. Panelists included:

• Brian Becker from the South Central Workforce Development Board
• Dorian Moe of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation
• Nicki Stewart, representing KY VALOR

Together, these three panelists addressed pathways to attract diverse talent, the critical role of education and training programs, and how partnerships between industry and organizations can create scalable solutions. Ramsay also spotlighted MI2's efforts to align Kentucky’s manufacturing workforce with the state’s economic growth goals, providing an inspiring call to action for stakeholders to engage in innovative workforce strategies.

Becker highlighted work that South Central Workforce Development Board is doing in South Central Kentucky to help find pathways for New Americans to land in full-time career pathways with companies, in part through having a navigator to work specifically with new immigrants. Stewart highlighted KY VALOR's work in bringing military veterans into Kentucky's workforce, via the KY VALOR program. KY VALOR stands for Veterans Accelerated Licensure Occupational Recruitment, and is run by MI2's strategic partners at the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, or KSTC. And Dorian Moe shared some of the Kentucky Chamber's initiatives on workforce issues, including the work the Kentucky Chamber has done with MI2 throughout 2024 on the first-ever Metals Collaborative for the Talent Pipeline Management program.

Learn more about MI2's Talent & Workforce initiatives throughout the FY23-24 fiscal year from our Talent & Workforce lead, Luke Ramsay.

This panel left attendees with tools and a renewed focus on collaboration as a cornerstone for success in manufacturing. By tackling workforce challenges head-on, sessions like these reinforce Kentucky’s position as a leader in industrial innovation and talent cultivation.