Inside the Push to Modernize Manufacturing training: Insights from SME and New America

This week, I’m joined by two powerhouse leaders doing the heavy lifting to strengthen our country’s innovation economy—Shalin Jyotishi from New America and Deb Volzer from SME. These folks aren’t just talking about change—they’re out there building the systems to make it happen. Shalin walks us through how New America’s Future of Work and Innovation Economy initiative is working to ensure that technological advancement strengthens—not sidelines—the American middle class. He discusses the launch of a new national Accelerator for Community Colleges, designed to build capacity across institutions and regions engaged in tech-based economic development.

Deb, meanwhile, shares how SME’s 90-year legacy is evolving with their new Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge; a bold initiative engaging 25 community colleges across 17 states. Her team is addressing workforce gaps through scalable, employer-driven models that align local needs with national priorities in manufacturing and advanced technologies.

Their work offers a roadmap for how public, private, and educational sectors can come together to meet the moment. If you care about making workforce development more effective—or just want to hear from people who are rolling up their sleeves and doing the work—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the full episode here.