Applied research and commercialization engine enters into its first workforce development project

World Business Chicago (WBC) and The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), recently announced that DMDII has committed $500,000 to WBC’s 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing campaign, a demand-driven workforce development project aiming to put Chicagoans to work in manufacturing careers. DMDII, a UI LABS Collaboration, has been a partner in the initiative since its launch in January 2015. With more than 20,000 open positions in manufacturing in the Chicagoland area, 1000 Jobs and DMDII are working to close the skills gap and boost Chicago’s economic vitality.

The 1000 Jobs partnership is DMDII’s first workforce development project. Its strategic vision for workforce development is to respond to industry demands and meet market-driven considerations for successful programming, including supporting programs such as 1000 Jobs. The approach is intentionally collaborative, aligned and supported by partners from around the country to assist in the development of their goals for workforce development specific to digital manufacturing.

Other 1000 Jobs partners include the City of Chicago, City Colleges, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Plymouth Tube, JMC Steel Group, Ask Power, Skolnik, Manor Tool, WaterSaver Faucets, ACME Industries, Grant Thornton LLP, Chicagoland Workforce Funders Alliance, IMA Education Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, and Bank of America.

“Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Chicago’s past and a vital sector for its future. There are positions open today, but employers are having trouble finding the skilled talent they need,” said Jeff Malehorn, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Bringing the industry together to raise awareness, connect people to training and ultimately build the workforce pipeline is an important priority for World Business Chicago.”

Launched in 2014, DMDII is UI LABS’ first program. DMDII is revitalizing American manufacturing by helping U.S. manufacturers harness data to make products and supply chains better, faster, and more cost competitive.

Working with partners such as 1000 Jobs, DMDII is focused on increasing economic development by generating deeper innovation through workforce development programs and preparing the workforce and manufacturing industry for the shift to digital manufacturing.

“Workforce development is a primary focus at DMDII,” said Dr. Dean Bartles, the Chief Manufacturing Officer at UI LABS and Executive Director of DMDII.  “Our partnership with 1000 Jobs directly aligns with our mission to address a shifting workforce, help manufacturers meet demand for talent, and train new employees in a changing landscape.”

1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing focuses on placing Chicagoans into manufacturing jobs, and building training and apprenticeship programs to prepare workers for open positions. Interested job seekers or manufacturers should visit www.1000jobscampaign.com to connect with a 1000 Jobs representative and take the first step to a quality career or partnership.