The Lincoln Manufacturing Council (LMC) formed in 2019 as an industry-led collaboration between the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and several local manufacturing leaders. Their goal was to increase the number of persons in Lincoln that have the interest, skills, and opportunities to work in manufacturing.
The program began with the Manufacturing Basics Certificate, a six-session class developed by manufacturers intended to prepare prospective employees for stable jobs with excellent pay and benefits. Since 2019, the Certificate has graduated over 170 individuals.
In 2021, we were awarded a large Workforce Development grant from the City of Lincoln’s American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This funding, available through 2024, has allowed us to expand our program offerings to continue development of Lincoln’s manufacturing workforce.
Mission & Goal
We exist to address the workforce needs of Lincoln manufacturers by increasing the number of employable individuals in Lincoln that have the interest, the skills, and the opportunities to work in the manufacturing industry.
Programs
Manufacturing Basics Certificate
A six-session class intended for under- or unemployed individuals with no previous experience in manufacturing. The locally-recognized certificate provides graduates with skills and relationships for success in an entry-level manufacturing career.
We work to reduce all barriers to participation in the certificate by providing childcare, transportation if needed, ELL support from Lincoln Literacy, meals at each class, and a $250 supportive service payment upon completion of class requirements.
Manufacturing Skills Certificate
Developed in partnership with Southeast Community College, the Manufacturing Skills Certificate is intended for individuals with previous manufacturing experience or who are currently in entry-level manufacturing work and are ready to take the next step in their careers. This more technical program will help participants move into more skilled roles at local manufacturers. The class is 60 instructional hours and includes hands-on shop work.
Manufacturing Upskilling Scholarship
The Manufacturing Upskilling Scholarship is available to LMC program graduates or employees at LMC companies who need additional training in order to advance economically in the industry. LMC will help cover the cost of educational opportunities from a wide variety of institutions, along with a small supportive service payment to help offset the cost of childcare, transportation, and other barriers.
Youth Employment Program
Connect youth (16-24) to on-the-job training internships at local manufacturers supplemented by advanced manufacturing skills at Nebraska Innovation Studio. Students benefit from on-the-job work experience, employers benefit from added labor with costs covered by LMC and WIOA.
The Council
LMC member manufacturers are invited to present to LMC classes about employment opportunities, attend job fairs on the last night of class, and host job shadows for class participants.
Members of LMC are invited to an annual meeting and various other networking and learning opportunities as they arise. Membership in the LMC demonstrates advocacy for developing the manufacturing workforce in Lincoln.
