Lincoln, Neb. —Four Nebraska manufacturing groups, including the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have joined forces to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade.
The four groups have formed the Made in Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance. Other partners include the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council, the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, and the Nebraska Chamber.
The goal of the Made in Nebraska Alliance is to align and increase efficiency of several programs designed to:
- Equip and educate a skilled workforce;
- Promote manufacturing as a re-emerging high-tech career path for Nebraska students;
- Deepen relationships among manufacturers to build supply-chain depth;
- Usher in a new age of research, development and tech advancement;
- Advocate for policies that promote manufacturing growth; and
- Provide member education, training and networking.
“Our work ethic makes manufacturing special in Nebraska,” said Matt Allmand, director of UNL’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership. “The alliance is a collaborative effort to help grow Nebraska. A strong manufacturing base makes a stronger state.”
The Alliance embraces the economic development priorities put forth in the Blueprint Nebraska report, Growing the Good Life. The report identified 15 initiatives with the broadest and deepest impact on statewide quality of life, overall job growth, attracting 18-34-year-olds and the costs of living and doing business in the state. The plan also included a strong focus on growth of key business sectors across Nebraska by accelerating the adoption of technology and unlocking innovation in key industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
Housed within UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, provides expert consulting, diverse training programs, industry events and workshops, and customized assistance to enrich the productivity, technological performance, and competitiveness of the state's small- to medium-sized manufacturers.
“We believe in the future of manufacturing and are committed to help train and support the next generation of manufacturing companies and their employees,” Allmand said.