TRANSFORMING CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURING

CLOSING THE GAP

TRANSFORMING CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURING

SMI has been a catalyst for modernizing and strengthening California’s manufacturing sector — supporting small and mid-sized companies, building workforce partnerships, and developing models now being replicated across the country.

DEVELOPING NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE

CLOSING THE GAP

DEVELOPING NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE

SMI is preparing the next generation of skilled workers through innovative workforce development models that connect education, industry, and community.

ENRICHING COMMUNITIES

CLOSING THE GAP

ENRICHING COMMUNITIES

SMI’s programs help people find purpose and opportunity in technical careers — creating stronger families, vibrant local economies, and communities that thrive through manufacturing.

Closing The Gap

Rebuilding America's Manufacturing Workforce

The Small Manufacturers Institute (SMI) is dedicated to restoring the connection between education, work, and manufacturing opportunity.

For more than two decades, SMI has united employers, educators, and small manufacturers to close the skills gap, modernize career training, and strengthen the backbone of America’s manufacturing economy.

Our current efforts include developing new workforce development programs — FastBreak and SkillzClub — and supporting initiatives that expand opportunities in key industries such as aerospace, defense, and maritime manufacturing.

Together, we are rebuilding America’s manufacturing workforce — one community, one student, and one company at a time.

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Our Endeavors

1FastBreak

FASTBREAK

Fast Break transforms students into confident, career-ready individuals in just 8 weeks. They gain workplace skills, academic growth, and a clear path to success.

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CalSEA

The California Shipbuilding Ecosystems Alliance is a new partnership of government, industry, academia, and nonprofits that supports a national effort to strengthen California’s maritime and submarine industrial base.

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REGIONAL COLLABORATION

We strengthen local manufacturers through collaboration, networking, and expert support. By linking industry, schools, and associations, we drive growth and innovation.

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ROTHLISBERGER MACHINIST TRAINING ENDOWMENT

The Endowment supports student scholarships, education/training grants and supplies to enhance the quality, enrollment, and alignment of high school and college Manufacturing Technology programs across Southern California.

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Our Experience

Regional Networking

A local leadership structure for developing value through convenience, communication, and sense of community

success

Career-Tech Education

SMI has consistently led in the challenge of making CTE relevant within the “college at all cost” academic system

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Talent Pipeline Engine

Great companies need motivated individuals with a strong work ethic and solid academic fundamentals

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Research and Development

SMI performs industry surveys and partners with key content providers and associations to create relevant improvement models

Manufacturing Facts (USA)

98% of manufacturing companies are small businesses
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75% have fewer than 20 employees
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8% of the American workforce is employed in manufacturing
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40-50% jobs will likely be vacant from lack skilled applicants
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CALIFORNIA: A MANUFACTURING POWERHOUSE!

In 2023, the output from manufacturing was $347.95 billion, accounting for 10.6% of the total output in the state.

In 2023, the output from manufacturing was $347.95 billion, accounting for 10.6% of the total output in the state.
California is number one in most manufacturing jobs in the nation with 1.22 million.

California is number one in most manufacturing jobs in the nation with 1.22 million.
Los Angeles-Glendale-Long Beach is the largest industrial center in the nation with 317,000 manufacturing jobs----Although the area has lost over 80,000 manufacturing jobs (an estimated 20% loss) in the past decade.

Los Angeles-Glendale-Long Beach is the largest industrial center in the nation with 317,000 manufacturing jobs----Although the area has lost over 80,000 manufacturing jobs (an estimated 20% loss) in the past decade.
The average total annual compensation for a manufacturing employee in California was $123,972 in 2023.

The average total annual compensation for a manufacturing employee in California was $123,972 in 2023.

Our Workforce Supporters

Our Impact

BECOME A SUPPORTER

Help us strengthen the future of small manufacturers and students by contributing your support. Your commitment fuels programs that build local economies, expand workforce opportunities, and ensure manufacturing continues to thrive for generations to come.

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