Attract Manufacturing Business & Talent on a Regional Scale

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Regions should double down on what makes them great: Manufacturing is in Milwaukee's DNA. While the region is broadening its identity as a destination for tech, sports and leisure, the heart of Milwaukee will always be manufacturing. Tim gives advice to regions looking to attract more businesses and talent in manufacturing and industrial sectors - and it centers around sticking with what you're best at. He also shares how these efforts have brought large employers like Haribo to the region.
2. Students can't be what they can't see: If we want to inspire students toward skilled careers and keep them in the region, we need to expose them to the opportunities and pathways while they're in the K-12 system. MMAC has partnered with organizations like Microsoft to provide hands-on technology programming that opens doors for these students. He also shares some upcoming projects involving nonprofits and industrial partners that will usher in new advanced manufacturing education in the region.
3. Business - education partnerships thrive when expectations are set early on: Employers and educators need to be open and clear about their needs and goals at the outset of any strong partnership - this means establishing expectations early on. Education needs to know what's going on in the workforce, and employers need to understand what's being taught in the classroom. Most of all, these partnerships are about more than a half-day field trip. Career exposure and skill-based learning efforts must be mapped through the eyes of a student. Ask yourself: what will make a student's eyes light up? What will ignite interest? What will build excitement about the future?