House Science Hearing: Purdue MEP Highlighted as Exceptional, Tackling Skills Gap

On March 26, 2019, at a hearing held by the U.S. House Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology on "Revitalizing American Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing," Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) was highlighted by Rep. James Baird (Indiana 4th District) as an exceptional National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) MEP program. Several witnesses agreed with Baird and added to the praise. 

In response to expectations that 2.5 million of 3.5 million new manufacturing jobs in the next decade will go unfilled, Baird mentioned that Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership has developed “Skills for Success” programs that address the manufacturing skills gap in Indiana in the areas of manufacturing, quality, supply chain and leadership. Mike Molnar, director of the Office of Advanced Manufacturing, National Institute of Standards and Technology, discussed how the Purdue MEP is known to manufacturers in Indiana, and manufacturers recognize it as a source of expert advice and training for manufacturing. 

Purdue MEP has developed five Skills for Success programs to address the manufacturing skills gap. These successful programs are helping people in the state of Indiana gain skills they need to be successful in the manufacturing sector and beyond.

Purdue MEP provides high value, affordable solutions to help businesses increase profitability. As advocates for Indiana's thousands of manufacturers, their staff leverages resources in both the public and private sectors to help identify areas of improvement, streamline processes, and ultimately increase industry competitiveness.

Purdue MEP's Economic Impact

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Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a NIST MEP Center. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program is a national network with hundreds of specialists who understand the needs of America's small manufacturers. Our national network consists of manufacturing extension partnership centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. MEP provides companies with services and access to public and private resources to enhance growth, improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand capacity.