Manufacturing Workforce Development Forum
Preparing an AI-Ready Manufacturing Workforce: Skills, Pathways, and Partnerships
Manufacturing is changing fast, and the workforce needs to keep pace. This half-day forum brings together local manufacturers, workforce development organizations, and local business partners to explore practical strategies and pathways for building a skilled, AI-ready workforce.
What We'll Cover
- How AI, robotics, and automation are reshaping shop floor skills
- Apprenticeship and credential pathways for entry-level and incumbent workers
- Human-centered approaches to technology adoption
- Energy literacy and financial sustainability for manufacturers
- Emerging roles in smart manufacturing, accessible without a four-year degree
- Partnership strategies to align regional training with real employer needs
Who Should Attend
- Manufacturing employers and operations managers
- Workforce development professionals and apprenticeship sponsors
- Community college and training providers
- Business and industry partners
- Job seekers and workers exploring careers in advanced manufacturing
Keynote Speaker
Steven M. Schneider, PhD, is Professor in the Program in Information Design & Technology and Co-Director of the Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIX) Center at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he has served since 1991. His expertise encompasses technology adoption, user experience studies, digital platform development, and educational technology integration.
A SUNY AI for the Public Good Fellow (2025-2026), Dr. Schneider previously served as Campus Lead for Google Career Certificates and is developing "AI for All" curricula that enable students to engage with open-source AI tools responsibly, securely, and collaboratively. As Co-Director of the AIX Center, he leads initiatives exploring AI applications across diverse sectors and techniques. He co-conceptualized the AIX Workbench, an open-source platform enabling secure, local AI experimentation for faculty and students.
Dr. Schneider earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT and is co-author of the award-winning book Web Campaigning (MIT Press, 2006). His research on web-based communication and digital archiving has been supported by grants from the Library of Congress, Pew Internet Project, and other major institutions. He brings over three decades of SUNY experience, including service as Interim Provost (2018-2022).
Tentative Agenda
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast |
| 10:00 – 10:20 AM | Welcome & Forum Framing |
| 10:20 – 10:50 AM | KEYNOTE: The Changing Skills Landscape in Manufacturing |
| 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
Featured Panel: Workforce Pathways for Growth in an AI-Enabled Manufacturing |
| 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM |
Networking Lunch |
| 12:15 – 1:00 PM |
SPOTLIGHT: Smart Energy & Financial Realities |
| 1:00 – 1:55 PM |
Interactive Session: From Skills to Careers, Empowering People in an AI-Driven Industry |
| 1:55 – 2:00 PM |
Closing Reflections & Adjourn |
Questions? Contact:
Jing Betty Feng, PhD, Professor, School of Business Jing Betty Feng
Marjaneh Issapour MS, P.E., Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Marjaneh Issapour
Khosro Shirvani, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Khosro Shirvani
June 12, 2026
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Campus Center, Ballroom A
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. J. Betty Feng at Email.
