America’s Heroes: Defending Freedom, Advancing Our Industry

For many Americans, Independence Day inspires thoughts of the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces — the heroes who fight and sacrifice each day to maintain the very freedom we celebrate.

More than 80 percent of manufacturers report they cannot find people to fill their skilled production jobs. Meanwhile, thousands of service men and women return home each month, possessing not only sound leadership, strong character and an exemplary work ethic, but also rigorous technical training and experience.

That’s why the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Institute has launched the Heroes MAKE America initiative in partnership with the U.S. Army Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program and the USO Pathfinder Program at Fort Riley in Kansas — to build a pipeline from military to manufacturing careers for transitioning service members.

Manufacturers highly value the core elements of military training that allow soldiers to be the best in the world. The teamwork, commitment to mission, communication and critical thinking skills essential to mission success are also essential to manufacturing.

Opening a pipeline to bring these transitioning soldiers into this critical economic sector benefits our nation’s heroes and the manufacturers who make America strong.

To learn more about the program, visit this page on the Manufacturing Institute’s website.