🤖 Advanced Manufacturing #4

This week in the Advanced Manufacturing space,  Apple is expanding its US workforce by hiring 20,000 employees focused on R&D, AI, and software. It is also launching the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to offer free AI-driven manufacturing and project management courses. In response to growing competition with SpaceX, Blue Origin is cutting 1,000 jobs to streamline operations and prioritize innovation. Meanwhile, Malaysia is targeting 3,000 smart factories by 2030 as part of its industrial transformation efforts, with the government investing $3.36B and collaborating with commercial banks to support SMEs.

In workforce development, General Motors and SME are partnering to launch an EV workforce training program in Detroit, supported by a $400,000 grant. Arizona Western College is investing $3.6M to establish the Future48 Workforce Accelerator, which will offer training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, and solar installation. In Silicon Valley, a new $5.6M initiative by local colleges will provide advanced manufacturing training to 725 students, with a focus on underrepresented groups. On the policy front, the ‘America First Investment Policy’ seeks to restrict Chinese investments in critical sectors, including AI and semiconductors, while streamlining investment processes for allies in advanced technologies.

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Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Trends

💻 Apple to Hire 20,000 Workers, Launch Free Upskilling Courses. Apple has expanded its US workforce with 20,000 new hires over four years, focusing on R&D, AI, and software. As part of its $500B investment, it will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, offering free courses in AI-driven manufacturing and project management to boost workforce skills and supply chain efficiency.

🚀 Blue Origin Cuts 1,000 Jobs to Refocus on Efficiency & Innovation. Blue Origin is laying off 10% of its workforce to streamline operations and boost manufacturing as competition with SpaceX heats up. CEO David Limp cited the need for speed and efficiency, while Jeff Bezos acknowledged financial challenges but expressed confidence in the company’s future. The move aligns with industry trends toward automation and sustainability, positioning Blue Origin for a more focused, innovation-driven role in space exploration.

🏭 Malaysia Targets 3,000 Smart Factories by 2030. MITI aims to establish 3,000 smart factories under NIMP 2030, with 500 firms already benefiting from MIDA’s Intervention Fund. Programs like Future Ready Financing (FRF) and Halal Accreditation Technology Improvement (HATI) will support SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0. The initiative, requiring $3.36B, seeks commercial bank collaboration to drive Malaysia’s industrial transformation.

Demand Growth for Advanced Manufacturing Skills Exceed Core Manufacturing Skills

🤖 Australia’s push for semiconductor and electronics capabilities reflects efforts to build domestic resilience in high-tech manufacturing amid global supply chain disruptions.

🏭 Smart factories are embracing IoT and sensor technologies, enabling real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance, reflected by the 427% boost in the demand for the associated skills.

💻 While core manufacturing skills, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and process control, have seen demand increases, the largest increases are in advanced manufacturing skills.

Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives

🔋 GM and SME Launch EV Workforce Training in Detroit. General Motors is providing a $400,000 grant to Matrix Human Services to develop an electric vehicle (EV) workforce in Metro Detroit. Partnering with SME’s Tooling U-SME, the program will offer hands-on and virtual training to prepare individuals for careers in EV and clean energy. Training will take place at Matrix facilities and online, incorporating certification programs to strengthen job readiness and support long-term career growth in advanced manufacturing.

🔧 Arizona Western College Launches Future48 Workforce Accelerator. Arizona Western College has broken ground on the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton, AZ. The 5,600-square-foot facility will offer training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, and solar installation. Supported by a $3.6M investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the project will partner with local industries to strengthen workforce development in high-growth sectors.

🔩 Silicon Valley Colleges Launch Advanced Manufacturing Training Program. De Anza College and five other local schools are launching the Silicon Valley Advanced Manufacturing Program, funded by a $5.6M US Department of Labor grant. The four-year initiative will train up to 725 students in fields like automation and semiconductors. Targeting underrepresented groups, including Latino, Black, and female students, the program will offer supportive services and collaboration with major Bay Area manufacturers, providing certification and potential employment opportunities.

Policy Initiatives

🏛️ ‘America First Investment Policy’ Targets Chinese Investments. A new investment policy focuses on tightening reviews of Chinese investments in key sectors, including technology, healthcare, and energy. The policy expands the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) authority to limit Chinese investments and considers new restrictions on areas like AI and semiconductors. It also aims to streamline investment processes for allies in advanced technologies.

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