ICPF is continuously working to connect our Corporate Partners and industry representatives with accessible, impactful partnership opportunities to grow the workforce of the corrugated packaging industry at the local, regional, and national level. The opportunities outlined below can help counteract labor shortages, increase employee retention, and foster positive company culture within your organization.
Webinar: Solve Your Talent Equation With the Manufacturing Institute (MI)
Join ICPF for this exclusive, free opportunity to hear from Rachael Scheffler, Associate Vice President and Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy at the Manufacturing Institute (MI). Rachael will discuss the work the MI is doing as the workforce development and education affiliate to the National Association of Manufacturers. She’ll also share the variety of programs available at the MI designed to excite, educate, and empower future candidates – with a particular focus in four key areas: women, veterans, youth, and lifelong learning.
Partner with the FAME USA Program
The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program is an advanced manufacturing workforce education and development initiative run by the Manufacturing Institute with locations in 12 states. The FAME model facilitates employer-led partnerships between your company and local educational institutions and establishes a channel for recruiting diverse, high-achieving and career-oriented students. Once established, the cooperative of local employers that make up the FAME Chapter will generate a continuous pipeline of skilled technicians. Employers can join a local chapter or start one of their own if there isn’t one already in the surrounding area.
Recruit Qualified Service Members
The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program provides integrated certification & career-readiness training in partnership with local community colleges to prepare transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists & military spouses for rewarding careers in manufacturing. Former service members are ideal candidates & poised to be natural leaders within industry.
Train Motivated Apprentices
ICPF has partnered with SkillsUSA Illinois to make their Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) available to interested partners. This program targets specific positions and allows motivated high school students to participate in work-based learning experiences while in school, allowing you to create your own unique talent pipeline.
Connect with Your State Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. The MEP National NetworkTM offers an extensive range of workforce services and resources that address every stage of the employee lifecycle. Services include talent assessment and planning, attraction and recruitment, training and development for production workers as well as leadership, employee engagement and retention, and more broadly creating an effective organizational culture to become an employer of choice.
Explore Registered Apprenticeship Programs with the U.S. Department of Labor
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop their future workforce while individuals can find paid work experience and receive a nationally-recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Apprentices who are trained via non-traditional routes can add value to your business, increase productivity, reduce turnover, and foster employee retention. Apprenticeship USA provides valuable resources to help you join an existing program, create one of your own, or simply learn more about what these programs and candidates have to offer.
Strengthen Your Box Plant Workforce with the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI)
Consider strengthening your box plant workforce with the Manufacturing Skills Institute’s (MSI) registered apprenticeship program. MSI provides industry certifications and solutions through industry, academic, and workforce partnerships across the nation. MSI offers 8 apprenticeship programs with grant funding, tailored to advance your new and existing employees and meet your business needs while supplementing your existing training. MSI can also help offset costs if you have a currently running apprenticeship program. Contact Wes Smith, Director of Workforce Solutions at [email protected] to conduct a needs analysis or learn more.