May Means New Pathways: Preparing the Workforce That Will Shape Advanced Manufacturing
May is a month of milestones. Across the St. Louis region, thousands of students are graduating and stepping into what comes next. For many, that next step is still taking shape – and advanced manufacturing offers opportunities they may not yet know exist.
At the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis (AMICSTL), we believe the future of advanced manufacturing is powered by people. Technology is transforming how products are designed and built, but progress depends on a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and ready to lead. That’s why workforce integration is at the center of our mission – because Futures Made starts with preparing people for what’s ahead.
We’re building pathways that connect learners of all ages – from K-12 students to adult workers – to hands-on experiences, industry-aligned training, and real-world problem-solving. Our approach is grounded in collaboration across industry, education, workforce partners, and community organizations to ensure training is relevant, accessible, and aligned with employer needs.
What this looks like in practice:
Connecting education directly to industry expectations
Providing immersive, experiential learning opportunities
Partnering with regional universities on applied research
Working with employers to shape training and curriculum
Expanding access for learners in underserved communities
And we’re not waiting for our facility to open to make an impact.
Through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club and Missouri Works Initiative, participants in the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) and the Skilled Trades Exploration Program (STEP) participate in Advanced Manufacturing Exploration Days, rotating through hands-on activities that introduce them to real manufacturing environments.
We have also collaborated with Project Manufacturing (PMFG) to host additive manufacturing competition. This year, 12 high schools from across the bi-state region – from Metro East to St. Louis Public Schools to St. Charles County – put their skills to the test in a real-world design and engineering challenge. Their creativity, teamwork, and resilience reflect the strength and diversity of our region’s future workforce.
These experiences and more are building a high-quality talent pipeline trained in cutting-edge skills – ensuring employers and employees thrive.
As graduation season reminds us, the future belongs to those who are prepared for it.
At AMICSTL, we’re helping create pathways that connect today’s learners to tomorrow’s opportunities, strengthening advanced manufacturing, and expanding economic mobility across the St. Louis region.
This is what “Futures Made” looks like – people gaining skills, employers gaining talent, and a region building its future together.