Are you getting
the workers you need?
As a manufacturer, you compete for the limited supply of skilled workers. As a small manufacturer, you may be handicapped by the amount of training you can provide or the time you can afford to bring employees up to speed.  As our regional economy continues to prosper and industry becomes more sophisticated, the problem becomes even more challenging. Highly qualified employees are in greater and greater demand and, thus, are becoming more costly. Yet the new supply of workers--students just entering the workforce--are often not prepared for the sophisticated requirements of our hi-tech, manufacturing businesses.

Define your future employees
Led the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (MANEX), the California Future Workforce Development Project helps students, now in high school and college, to develop the competencies necessary for future entry-level positions in the electronics, metals, and plastics industries. The project can assist your company in training your current employees and in influencing the skills of your future employees. By partnering with federal, state, and local agencies, the project partners  offer programs to train and develop workers for the 21st century.

Who qualifies?
You are eligible to participate in the Future Workforce Development Project if you manufacture your product in California, are in the electronics or metal working industries, and employ less than 500 people.

How much does it cost?
Manex and its partners have received a grant from the United States Department of Commerce's Future Workforce Development Program. These funds pay for most of the program's services.  Each job profile normally costs $2,500, but under this program they are free to qualified manufacturers.  The teacher who works full-time on one of your company's projects receives half of his salary from the Future Workforce Development Project and the other half from your company.  The tours and student mentoring are no cost to you, but do require some volunteer time from your employees.

Manex will work with your company's representatives to ensure that each of these programs complement your goals and needs.

Opportunities available to you through this project