For more than three decades, America has witnessed the steady erosion of its manufacturing sector, a foundational pillar for any strong nation. Misunderstood, undervalued, and too often offshored in the name of short-term cost savings, manufacturing has been hollowed out despite being vital to our national defense, economic resilience, innovation capacity, and overall security. This long-term decline has come at a high cost: lost jobs, diminished industrial capability, and a weakened strategic position on the global stage.

Today, however, momentum is building for a resurgence. Across the country, a growing number of organizations and industry associations recognize the urgent need to restore and expand our domestic manufacturing capacity. They understand that rebuilding this sector means more than just re-shoring factories. It requires investing in the skilled workforce that powers them.

One such organizations is the Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly Collaborative (EMAC), a national workforce development program strongly supported by the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA). EMAC and its’ Program Manager, Carter Stevenson, is taking a proactive, hands-on approach to solving one of the sector's biggest challenges: the shortage of skilled workers. By forging connections between industry and academia, developing workforce pipelines, and creating accessible training pathways, EMAC is helping to ensure a strong and sustainable future for American manufacturing.

EMAC aims to connect academia, manufacturers, workers, and job seekers with educational programs that develop skills for careers in electronic manufacturing. The initiative focuses on sharing success stories, promoting best practices, and fostering innovation to advance the electronics manufacturing sector.

In Austin, Texas, EMAC collaborates with local institutions like Austin Community College (ACC) and organizations such as the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) to bridge the gap between academia and industry. These partnerships aim to create a collaborative workforce ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders by providing accessible programs and resources to equip local talent with essential skills for success in electronics manufacturing.

Additionally, initiatives like the Certified Production Technician (CPT) training program, coordinated by the Central Texas Manufacturing Partnership, offer virtual, no-cost training to equip students with nationally recognized certifications. These programs are designed to help local job seekers access quality employment opportunities and promote lifelong learning and professional development within the electronics manufacturing industry.

Overall, EMAC and its associated programs represent a concerted effort to address the skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing sector by fostering collaboration between industry and educational institutions, providing accessible training programs, and promoting career development opportunities. This model deserves to be studied, replicated, and expanded across the country. If we are to reclaim America’s industrial strength, efforts like EMAC must become the rule, not the exception. 

Our mission at Hatch Manufacturing Solutions is to align ourselves with manufacturing-minded organizations and suppliers that are motivated to put engineering and manufacturing at the top of the food chain. Hatch specializes in customed electro-mechanical solutions here in the US and across the globe and is proud to support organizations that understand the critical role of a robust manufacturing sector. EMAC represents the initiative that is required to support the rebirth of our manufacturing base.