New England Regional Defense Industry Collaboration December Meeting

The New England Regional Defense Industry Collaboration (NERDIC) is a coalition that unites stakeholders across New England, including industry leaders, community colleges, Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs), and other influential entities. The primary goal of NERDIC is to effectively address the pressing needs of the regional industry while developing and promoting best practices tailored to the manufacturing technician sector. This initiative is crucial to ensuring the workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving manufacturing landscape. The last meeting of 2025 occurred in December in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the University of New Hampshire campus.

This meeting, sponsored by the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), brought together more than 40 participants from diverse backgrounds, including industry representatives, educators, and other stakeholders. This gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit of the New England region, with attendees from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each representative shared insights into their advanced manufacturing programs, highlighting the innovative approaches and educational frameworks being implemented to prepare the workforce for future industry challenges.

The agenda for this important meeting was comprehensive, emphasizing not only the sharing of individual programs but also the broader workforce initiatives critical to the region's economic growth. A dedicated breakout session was organized to enable meaningful discussions on the specific needs of industry and higher education institutions. This collaborative approach ensured that the insights gathered reflected the actual demands employers face and the educational requirements needed to meet them.

During the meeting, the group collectively identified a series of best practices aimed at building awareness and generating interest in manufacturing careers among potential students and the broader community. This effort is essential for cultivating a robust pipeline of skilled workers who are prepared to enter the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the discussions included strategies for supporting the New England Workforce Learning Ecosystem through the year 2026, ensuring that the region remains competitive and responsive to the changing dynamics of the manufacturing industry.

As a culmination of the meeting's discussions and insights, it was decided that the resources generated from this collaborative effort would be compiled and distributed to all attendees in the new year. This distribution will serve as a valuable toolkit for stakeholders, enabling them to implement the identified best practices and initiatives in their respective organizations. By equipping industry leaders and educators with these resources, NERDIC aims to foster a stronger, more interconnected workforce that is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern manufacturing environment. In conclusion, the efforts of NERDIC and its partners demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the manufacturing technician sector in New England, ensuringthe region not only meets current industry demands but also prepares for future opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.