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Rebecca Battle-Bryant

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Rebecca Battle-Bryant, Director, Office of Statewide Workforce Development (OSWD)

Discussion of Primary Concerns of US Manufacturers and the Impact of Technology

SOUTHEAST Session: Moderated by: Jamie Goettler, BTX Precision Rather than start with a discussion of all the technologies available in the industrial marketplace, this panel session will start by outlining the primary concerns of manufacturing businesses. By first appealing to what the audience (machining businesses) cares about most at the start, the panel will logically ease into a discussion of how available technologies can help achieve greater outcomes for these businesses…in other words, solutions to the preeminent problems. Among the concerns highlighted at the outset will be improving competitiveness (domestically and globally), throughput (business growth), and yes productivity in the face of the manufacturing skills gap. The panel will be represented by industry leaders who either are dealing with these concerns directly, or those that have a “front row seat” to a variety of companies that seek to survive and thrive. Technologies that will be addressed will likely include automation, robotics, workforce training, machining technology, machine monitoring, software and AI to name a few.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Advancing Experiential Learning Through Manufacturing Partnerships

SOUTHEAST Session: The widening skills gap in manufacturing continues to challenge educators, employers, and policymakers striving to cultivate a future-ready workforce. This session examines how strategic partnerships between education and industry can elevate experiential learning to better align student preparation with real-world workforce demands. Through the integration of hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning opportunities, these collaborations create meaningful pathways from the classroom to the production floor. Ultimately, the session highlights how experiential learning—anchored in authentic industry collaboration—serves as a powerful catalyst for bridging the manufacturing skills gap and building a sustainable talent pipeline.