The Lincoln Manufacturing Council drives Lincoln’s manufacturing talent pipeline by connecting individuals to high-quality careers while helping local manufacturers build the workforce they need to grow.
Formed in 2019, LMC is an industry-led partnership between the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and local manufacturing leaders. The Council was created to increase the number of people in Lincoln who have the interest, skills, and opportunities to work in manufacturing.
LMC began with the Manufacturing Basics Certificate, a practical class developed by manufacturers to help adults and entry-level job seekers prepare for manufacturing careers. Since then, LMC has grown into a broader workforce initiative that includes adult training, youth career exposure, and industry support.
In 2024, LMC received a Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing the Council’s work as a strong example of industry-led workforce development.
Mission
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.
What We Do
Education & Training
LMC prepares adults, entry-level workers, and career changers for success in manufacturing.
Through programs like the Manufacturing Basics Certificate, LMC helps participants build practical skills, understand workplace expectations, connect with local employers, and take the next step toward a manufacturing career. Our training programs are shaped by employer input and designed to stay practical, accessible, and responsive to local hiring needs.
Career Exposure & Awareness
LMC helps students, families, educators, and community partners better understand the opportunities available in manufacturing.
Through school partnerships, youth-serving organizations, employer tours, hands-on learning opportunities, and career exploration events, LMC helps more people see manufacturing as a high-quality career pathway.
LMC also works to improve how manufacturing careers are communicated across the community so residents better understand the wages, advancement opportunities, technology, and impact within the industry.
Annual Meeting
LMC’s annual meeting brings together manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss industry needs and align around shared workforce priorities.
Held in October, which is recognized as Manufacturing Month, the event highlights progress, shares employer perspectives, elevates the impact of manufacturing in Lincoln, and strengthens coordination across the broader workforce ecosystem.
The Council
LMC members are local manufacturers and community partners committed to strengthening Lincoln’s manufacturing workforce.
Member manufacturers help shape LMC’s training programs, share hiring needs, present to classes, attend job fairs, host tours and job shadows, and support career awareness efforts across the community. Membership in LMC demonstrates a commitment to developing Lincoln’s manufacturing workforce and supporting the long-term strength of the local economy.
Members are invited to participate in council meetings, strategic conversations, the annual industry meeting, and other networking and learning opportunities throughout the year.
Why Manufacturing?
Manufacturing is a vital part of Lincoln’s economy and offers strong career opportunities for people with a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences.
Local manufacturers provide stable jobs, competitive wages, and advancement opportunities that support families throughout our community. Through LMC, employers, educators, and community partners work together to make those opportunities more visible and more accessible.
