IMPACT

AMI-SD Helps Address Critical Workforce Issues by aligning workforce training with local industry demands, which is key to economic prosperity, filling job openings, and transforming lives. 

Support the sustainability of local industry and help strengthen the national security supply chain with a skilled and diverse local talent pipeline that meets industry demands

Increase equitable access and reduce economic barriers to the advanced manufacturing career pathway with no-cost and tuition-free programs for unemployed and underemployed adults, workforce-bound students, and veterans.

THE NEED

Advanced Manufacturing Skilled Labor Shortage is an Urgent and Ongoing Crisis

Advanced manufacturing is vital to the U.S. economy and national security, but is facing a growing skilled labor shortage. Without immediate action, it will worsen over the next decade, threatening the national security supply chain, and negatively impacting our economy. 

• As of January 2025, there were over 462,000 open positions in the sector. 
• In San Diego County, the sector encompasses aerospace, maritime, clean technology, biomedical, and precision manufacturing, collectively employing more than 93,000 people across 3,254 businesses. 

THE APPROACH

AMI-SD Helps Address Critical Workforce Needs and Ensure Equitable Access to Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathways

Our programs and services are uniquely designed for individuals with no prior experience to gain the skills, competencies, and certifications to fill entry-level middle-skill occupational roles that local manufacturing companies are desperately seeking to fill - such as Assemblers, Technicians, and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine occupations. 

THE OUTCOMES

We believe equipping individuals with in-demand skills can transform lives and communities. As more people gain access to high-quality training, they secure stable employment and help bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing industry.

• The manufacturing industry is one of the largest sectors of the economy, providing stable and well-paying jobs across a wide range of skill levels. 
• Skilled labor not only provides stable, well-paying jobs but also promotes economic stability.  

NOT ENOUGH SKILLED WORKERS

Advanced manufacturing in San Diego is in high demand but faces a skilled labor shortage. The sector supports 121,027 jobs across 4,429 establishments, and is vital for the economy, providing job opportunities that typically don't require a degree.

• San Diego Regional EDC, Manufacturing Industry Talent Demand Report, 2020

NEW TALENT IS NOT WORK READY

California hosts 30,000 manufacturing companies employing 1.3 million workers, with a significant portion being minorities and women. The sector accounts for 11% of the state's economic output, providing middle-skilled jobs with good incomes. Their activity contributes to a balanced economic structure in the state and provides middle-skilled jobs that offer good incomes and upward mobility. 

• California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA) February 20, 2020

AGING TECHNICAL WORKFORCE

Over the next decade, a projected $32 billion loss could occur due to nearly 3.5 million unfilled manufacturing jobs, highlighting the need for training programs like ours.

• Deloitte and National Manufacturing Institute, "Creating pathways for tomorrow’s workforce today," May 4, 2021