Conference Day Two |
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
8:00 am Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Build Technical Skills Training Frameworks to Future-Proof Your Workforce & Meet Evolving Production Demands
9:10 am Discover: Launching a Skills Academy to Power the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow
Synopsis
- Tackling persistent skills gaps in manufacturing by launching scalable internal development models aligned with workforce planning, production requirements, and future operational needs
- Building a structured skills and proficiency framework through a custom-designed CoorsTek Academy, enabling leaders to assess individual capabilities, identify cross-training pathways, and drive targeted upskilling on critical manufacturing processes
- Investing in long-term talent pipelines through a $5M Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and youth apprenticeship program co-developed with state, education, and industry partners to train and retain the next generation of skilled manufacturing talent
9:30 am Discover: Shifting from Hiring to Growing Talent by Embedding Technical Training into L&D Strategy for Aviation Manufacturing
Synopsis
- Responding to declining interest in aviation MRO careers by repositioning L&D as a strategic driver of workforce readiness and early career engagement
- Establishing technical training centers at major StandardAero sites to build internal capability through tailored curricula, robust instructor development, and a structured model for growing the talent you need
- Partnering with local workforce boards in regions like San Antonio and pursuing grant funding to align training with community needs, while reinforcing leadership buy-in and long-term sustainability of internal development programs
9:50 am Develop: How Can Manufacturers Build Scalable Skills Academies That Align with Operational Needs & Future Talent Demands?
Synopsis
- What foundational elements, such as skills frameworks, assessment tools, and cross-functional input, are essential to designing a skills academy that supports both current production goals and long-term workforce planning?
- How can manufacturers structure internal development models to assess individual proficiency, identify cross-training opportunities, and deliver targeted upskilling that aligns with evolving operational requirements?
- What lessons can be drawn from CoorsTek’s investment in a Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and youth apprenticeship partnerships to build a sustainable, future-ready talent pipeline that integrates education, industry, and state support?
10:10 am Action: What Steps Can You Take to Launch or Evolve a Skills Academy That Future-Proofs Your Workforce?
Synopsis
Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair
- What immediate actions can you take to audit existing skill gaps, map them to future production needs, and begin designing a structured development framework that supports both technical and soft skill growth?
- How can you engage internal stakeholders, such as operations, HR, and plant leadership, and external partners like technical colleges or workforce boards to co-create a scalable, high-impact training model?
- What pilot initiatives, facility enhancements, or curriculum design efforts could you begin testing now to lay the groundwork for a long-term academy that delivers measurable business and workforce outcomes?
10:30 am Networking Break
11:10 am Discover: Talent Development: Change the Game and Celebrate the Victory
Synopsis
- Strengthening Organizational Capability and Protecting Your Culture with a “playbook” that will position the team to WIN while Navigating Transformative Businesses Changes
- Draw out hidden talent through stretch assignments and a collaborative, “family” based value system
- Protect and retain your greatest asset through talent enrichment, where a new generation of leaders and subject matter experts will emerge and create a “flywheel” effect that will provoke continuous learning, a growth mindset, and accelerate the achievement of organizational goals
11:30 am Discover: Building Scalable Frontline Learning Programs to Accelerate Upskilling & Strengthen Leadership Pipelines in Manufacturing
Synopsis
- Tackling persistent workforce readiness gaps by evolving traditional training methods into agile, continuous learning solutions that keep pace with the fastchanging demands of modern manufacturing operations
- Implementing a technology-enabled learning ecosystem using platforms like Alchemy and Synthesia to deliver accessible, multilingual, and on-demand skill development directly at the plant level, enabling consistent upskilling across diverse sites
- Launching a leadership development initiative anchored by executive sponsorship to identify, nurture, and advance high-potential hourly workers into supervisory roles, strengthening the frontline leadership pipeline
11:50 am Develop: How Can Manufacturers Combine Scalable Learning with Culture-Driven Talent Strategies to Build a Resilient, Future- Ready Workforce?
Synopsis
- How can manufacturers design and deliver learning experiences that are both accessible (e.g. multilingual, mobile, on-demand) and deeply aligned with company values, leadership expectations, and employee aspirations?
- What can be learned from organizations that have successfully integrated digital learning platforms, stretch assignments, and peer-led development to surface hidden talent, accelerate upskilling, and build leadership pipelines from within?
- How do you secure executive sponsorship and cross-functional alignment to ensure that both learning systems and talent enrichment programs are embedded into daily operations and supported at every level?
12:10 pm Action: What Practical Steps Can You Take to Activate Scalable, Culture-First Talent Development Across Your Organization?
Synopsis
Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair
- What immediate actions can you take to audit your current learning infrastructure, such as delivery methods, content accessibility, and leadership engagement, and identify gaps that limit scalability or cultural resonance?
- How can you begin piloting initiatives like role-specific learning journeys, stretch assignments, or peer coaching programs that reinforce your values while building critical skills and leadership readiness?
- How can you measure the impact of these efforts, not just in terms of completion rates or skills gained, but in improved retention, internal mobility, and cultural alignment across your workforce?
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Speed Learning
Synopsis
In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by a TD leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact LEAP; you then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table.
Bridging Decentralized Teams for Greater Synergy in Manufacturing Operations
Marianne Lawson
Head of Learning & Development Americas
Air Liquide
Accelerating New Hourly Hire Readiness with Structured Onboarding & Training
Tara Roberson-Moore
Learning & Organizational Effectiveness Manager
Nexus Circular
A Blueprint for Sustainable Leadership at the Ground Level
Cristina Farr
Director, Talent & Organizational Development
Core Molding Technologies