Resolution in Support of Advanced Manufacturing
Adopted at the in 2016
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama launched the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership on the recommendation of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in June 2011. In September 2013, the President launched the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee 2.0 to secure U.S. leadership in the emerging technologies that will create high-quality manufacturing jobs and enhance America's competitiveness. On December 16, 2014, the President signed the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act into law; and
WHEREAS, there are multiple advanced manufacturing innovation initiatives aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the United States in advanced manufacturing. these programs include: Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech), Mforesight: the Alliance for Manufacturing foresight, Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership, Materials Genome Initiative, National Export Initiative/NEXT, National Nanotechnology Initiative, National Networking for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), National Robotics Initiative, SelectUSA, Startup America, and Sustainable Manufacturing Clearinghouse; and
WHEREAS, jobs in advanced industries are available at all levels of education, but only a narrow educational and training pipeline channels potential workers into the sector. Advanced industries require workers who have a STEM knowledge base; and
WHEREAS, in 2014, the Department of Labor made $100 million in existing H-1B funds available for American Apprentice Grants to reward partnerships that help more workers participate in apprenticeships. ? the American Apprenticeships Grants focused on partnerships between employers, labor organizations, training providers, community colleges, local and state governments, the workforce system, non-profits and faith based organizations that include advanced manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, the President's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) is developing scalable apprenticeship models in high need advanced manufacturing. 87 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs and the average starting wage for apprenticeship graduates is over $50,000; and
WHEREAS, Senator Cory Booker and Senator Tim Scott introduced the Leveraging and Energizing America's Apprenticeship Programs or "LEAP" Act to increase apprenticeships through a new federal tax credit for employers; and
WHEREAS, Senator Patty Murray and Senator Orrin Hatch introduced the Effective Apprenticeships Rebuild National Skills (EARNS) Act, legislation to strengthen the nation's workforce development system through registered apprenticeship programs; and
WHEREAS, the advanced industries sector directly employs 12.2 million Americans. there are over 10 million unemployed Americans, yet 4 million jobs remain unfilled as many companies struggle to find qualified workers to fill available jobs; and
WHEREAS, the average advanced industry worker earned $90,000 in total compensation, nearly twice as much as the average worker in other industries,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports promoting advanced manufacturing by advocating for increased STEM classes and apprenticeships opportunities; and partnerships between local governments, employers, public and private educational institutions to build a successful workforce for careers in advanced manufacturing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that The United States Conference of Mayors pledges to: assess employer demand for advanced manufacturing; encourage a streamlined approach to providing educational and job training in the STEM field; seek commitments from employers to develop on-the job training and apprenticeships; and seek opportunities to grow the advanced manufacturing industries in the United States.