Insights and Data
Data to Inform
Workforce Planning
Our team of researchers and analysts take a data-driven approach to understanding industrial change and corresponding trends in education and training. We provide data and offer insights at the regional, state, and national levels as well as drill down into specific populations, like veterans.
A Critical Window for Workforce Intermediaries in Defense Manufacturing
As defense production accelerates, workforce intermediaries must act now to close talent gaps, speed training, and strengthen the supply chain partnerships manufacturers need to scale.
Ready Talent
is becoming essential to scale defense manufacturing capacity
Workforce Pell is Coming. Here is What it Means for Defense Manufacturing.
A major new federal funding stream is coming available, and it could reshape how your community builds its defense manufacturing pipeline
July 1, 2026
Pell Grants available for short-term workforce training.
The Biomanufacturing Opportunity: Why Regional Action Matters Now
To lead in biomanufacturing, U.S. regions must pair world-class innovation with the workforce and infrastructure needed to scale it.
$16.4B
Is the size of the synthetic biology market.
The Pentagon Just Rewrote the Playbook. Here’s What it Means for Your Region
The 2026 National Defense Strategy makes rebuilding America’s manufacturing base a top-tier national security priority.
$21B
Increase in defense R&D budget for 2026.
The Human Element: How AI Elevates Defense Manufacturing Workforce Skills
AI is shaping manufacturing, and Defense requirements are leading the way
AI
Lessons from the past
Top 5 Training Trends to Watch in 2026
Defense manufacturing training is evolving fast as technology and federal programs reshape worker readiness.
2026
Trends to Watch
Top defense manufacturing regions
Los Angeles has the largest workforce and one of the strongest industrial bases for defense aircraft components.
$29.7B
In contract value (2021-2025)
Growing Microelectronics Workforce
Orlando is one of the nation’s fastest-growing microelectronics talent hubs.
10,913
Workers in microelectronics-related roles across the region.
Hypersonics Federal Investment
Federal hypersonics spending remains almost entirely R&D focused.
$9B+
Federal hypersonics-related obligations since 2019, with ~93 percent dedicated to RDT&E.
Mapping the Biomanufacturing Workforce
Nearly 4 million U.S. workers support biomanufacturing and strengthen national competitiveness.
4M
Workers in U.S. metros with occupations relevant to biomanufacturing.
Critical Technology Areas
The Future of Defense Manufacturing
The Department of Defense has identified key Critical Technology Areas that are vital to meeting the United States’ most important national security needs. These six areas reflect the challenging and rapidly evolving landscape for technology investment, development, and adoption in the 21st century. For workforce development professionals, these CTAs are a clear roadmap of where defense-related manufacturing and jobs will be created, and what skills those jobs will require.
Newsletter
News & Updates
Stay current on trends, strategies, and success stories shaping the future of defense manufacturing workforce development with our monthly newsletter.
Partner With Us
Our National Network of Innovative Partners
We work alongside a number of organizations that are working to accelerate priority technologies and solve workforce challenges across the U.S.
Industry Related Events
Upcoming Events
Join us at conferences, summits, and briefings focused on the future of workforce education and defense manufacturing.
Manufacturing Innovation Institutes and State Economic Development Organizations
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Online
Manufacturing Innovation Institutes are driving innovation in critical technology sectors — but maximizing their regional impact often depends on forging the right partnerships beyond the federal level. Join Manufacturing Momentum and the State Economic Development Executives (SEDE) Network for a presentation and panel discussion featuring leaders from AIM Photonics and Empire State Development (ESD). They'll share how their partnership took shape, what each organization brought to the table, and the tangible benefits that followed — offering a real-world model for how MIIs and state economic development agencies can work together to accelerate workforce and industry growth.
NAWB The Forum 2026
03/23/2026- 03/26/2026
- Las Vegas
This is where the workforce board community gathers. If your audience includes workforce professionals working with or around MIIs, this is a must-list. Pre-conference sessions include DOL-funded workshops on industry clusters.
DMC25
- 03/30/2026
- 04/02/2026
- Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida
DMC is the United States’ premier annual gathering for stakeholders in defense manufacturing — including engineers, technology leaders, policymakers, scientists, and industry professionals.
DIBCON 26
- 04/07/2026
- 04/09/2026
- Milwaukee, WI
DIBCON is the annual Defense Industrial Base Conference that brings together small and medium manufacturers, Department of Defense leaders, industry experts, and economic development partners to strengthen U.S. defense production and create direct engagement opportunities for suppliers.
The Power of Fusion: ASU + GSV Summit
- 04/12/2026
- 04/15/2026
- San Diego, CA
The big education/workforce innovation conference, with 7,000+ attendees. This is a broad event but has a dedicated workforce track (FORCE), with value in the workforce innovation content.
Rapid + TCT: Additive Manufacturing and Industrial 3D Printing
- 04/14/2026
- 04/16/2026
- Boston, MA
The premier additive manufacturing conference.
SME FUSION 2026
- 05/05/2026
- 05/06/2026
- Nashville, TN
SME FUSION 2026 brings together leaders in manufacturing training and workforce development to share practical strategies for building a stronger talent pipeline. Learn how to onboard new hires more efficiently, upskill your current team, and preserve valuable institutional knowledge.
2026 FAME National Conference
- 05/12/2026
- 05/14/2026
- Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Join peers from across the FAME network for expert speakers, breakout sessions, networking meals, training opportunities, and important announcements. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the FAME model, access practical strategies for chapter management and stakeholder engagement, and build a strong network of manufacturing and education professionals — all aimed at strengthening and advancing skilled manufacturing through shared knowledge and collaboration.
HI-TEC: High Impact Technology Exchange Conference
- 07/27/2026
- 07/30/2026
- Austin, Texas
HI-TEC is a national conference on advanced technological education, supported by the National Science Foundation’s ATE program. It brings together educators, counselors, industry professionals, trade organizations, and technicians from across the country to improve and update their skills and knowledge.
