The Erie Regional Manufacturer Partnership (ERMP) is mobilizing the community and leading a collaborative approach among manufacturers, educators, workforce development professionals, and other leaders to align efforts to ensure that manufacturing remains a strong contributor to the regional economy. Here, George Currie, president and chair of ERMP, as well as executive vice president of Erie Press Systems, talks about the progress the group has made and its plans for 2016.
The ERMP was formed in 2014 by a group of 20 local manufacturers to help address the need for a skilled workforce and to create opportunities for career pathways in manufacturing. How would you describe the position of the group today in terms of local support?
ERMP has an incredible amount of support throughout the Erie community. Not only are 20 manufacturing employers committed to ERMP’s initiatives, but since March over 10 additional partners have pledged support to ERMP. New support consists of educators, nonprofit organizations, additional manufacturers and community leaders. Furthermore, ERMP’s first supporting member meeting had nearly 100 attendees
ERMP’s mission — champion manufacturing solutions as it relates to developing a robust pipeline and producing a skilled workforce — has also been supported by the General Electric Foundation, as well as the Erie Community Foundation.
How critical is it to have the private sector be a part of the solution to such efforts?
As an industry-led partnership, ERMP realizes the need for manufacturers to have a single, common voice to increase public awareness of the career pathway opportunities within the local manufacturing industry. ERMP’s goal is to engage all area stakeholders and to work together as a cohesive group to address workforce issues that cannot be solved individually.
You recently announced that the ERMP has begun implementing its 2016 strategic plan, such as forming action teams for Manufacturing Readiness and Work-Based Learning. What progress has been made so far?
ERMP is the industry leader to champion solutions and drive results. The Strategic Action Plan takes into consideration the key messages of collaboration, stakeholder relationships and long-term sustainability.
We have identified the initial priorities and action teams as the Manufacturing Readiness Action Team and the Work-Based Learning Action Team. These teams will become the extended infrastructure for the ERMP organization. These initial priorities will maximize the Greater Oh-Penn Manufacturing Apprenticeship Network Grant resources, as we continue to engage all area stakeholders and partners by aligning current efforts to address issues that cannot be solved by ERMP alone.
The Work Based Learning Action Team will work with employers and schools to create more opportunities for exposure to industry and simplify and streamline the process of scheduling work-based learning experiences. These experiences include learning opportunities such as on-the-job training, customized job training, co-ops, internships and apprenticeships. They will focus initially on the steps necessary to implement the recently awarded $3 million U.S. Department of Labor American Apprenticeship Initiative Grant, encouraging more manufacturers to adopt or revive apprenticeships.
The Manufacturing Readiness Action Team will guide the expansion and implementation of a pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide participants with the employability skills and technical skills necessary to enter into and progress up manufacturing career pathways. This team will identify and execute common processes to recruit and select candidates with the right fit for manufacturing jobs.
What are some additional goals for ERMP in the long term?
One of ERMP’s top priorities is encouraging manufacturers to adopt or revive apprenticeship programs. The Greater Oh-Penn Manufacturing Apprenticeship Network, of which ERMP is a part, plans to register 300 apprentices over the next five years. Apprenticeships are an “earn and learn” training model that combine hands-on training with related classroom instruction using the highest industry standards. Companies that offer apprenticeship programs can diversify their workforce, improve productivity and profitability, standardize training, reduce turnover and receive tax credits and more.
ERMP also has developed goals to expand their outreach and has added an online presence, as well as monthly e-newsletter. In addition, ERMP is developing a social media plan to reach additional target populations.
How can a company get more involved with ERMP?
Interested companies can visit IndustryNeedsYou.com/about-us/ermp for more information.
