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

World Business Chicago (WBC) and The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), a UI LABS Collaboration, today announced the formalization of their partnership through the 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing Campaign, a demand-driven workforce development project looking to close the skills gap and put Chicagoans to work in manufacturing careers. DMDII has been a partner in the initiative since its launch in January, but today committed $500,000 to the program and its operations over the next twelve months.

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. 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.

1000 Jobs additional partners include, the City of Chicago, City Colleges, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Plymouth Tube, JMC Steel Group, Ask Power, Skolnik, Manor Tool, Water Saver 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.

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) is UI LABS’ first program. DMDII is revitalizing American manufacturing, by helping U.S. manufacturers to harness data to make their products better, faster, and more cost competitive.

Working collaboratively with partners like 1000 Jobs, DMDII is focused on increasing economic development, 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.”

Launched in January 2015, 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing campaign is a demand-driven workforce development program committed to connecting 1,000 Chicagoans to open manufacturing careers, through direct placements or linking residents who need additional training and apprenticeship programs.

Interested job seekers or manufacturers should visit www.1000jobscampaign.com to get connected to a 1000 Jobs representative and take the first step to a quality career or partnership.

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ABOUT WORLD BUSINESS CHICAGO

Chaired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, World Business Chicago drives regional economic growth. WBC collaborates to create jobs, cultivate talent, and put Chicago at the forefront of the global economy. A unique public-private partnership, WBC engages business and community leaders to advance Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs.

ABOUT UI LABS

UI LABS solves large-scale societal challenges by forming consortia of Universities, Industries and civic partners who innovate and commercialize new technology solutions to transition entire industries. UI LABS is developing a portfolio of applied research and commercialization Labs that lead to a return on investment for its partners and improve local, regional and national competitiveness.

ABOUT DMDII

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) is UI LABS’ first program. DMDII is revitalizing American manufacturing, by helping U.S. manufacturers to harness data to make their products better, faster, and more cost competitive. Learn more at www.uilabs.org/ and www.dmdii.org