Members of the Long Island Association’s Manufacturing Trades Committee met last week at the business group’s Melville headquarters to discuss workforce development in the region’s manufacturing sector.
At the roundtable, local manufacturers, nonprofits, education institutions and government agencies made the case for strategic investments and increased policies in education, technology and workforce development programs to revitalize industry in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“Long Island has a history of thriving manufacturing, and while it continues to thrive today, LIA recognizes that the manufacturing sector faces significant challenges in recruiting and retaining a stable workforce, and partnerships are essential to ensure continued growth,” LIA president and CEO Matt Cohen said in a news release about the conference.
The roundtable came at a time when Long Island’s manufacturing industry provides more than 70,000 jobs and plays a vital role in the local economy. The committee focused on hiring and retention challenges and discussed strategies such as partnerships with K-12 and higher education institutions, skills training, and funding opportunities to support and implement these strategies.
“The only way to grow an economy is to create new jobs, which is the best social program,” LIA President Larry Waldman said in a news release.
“We thank everyone who has joined the LIA to help inform our work so we can continue to support Long Island manufacturing,” Waldman added.
“Ensuring a steady talent pipeline is essential for Long Island manufacturing companies to thrive,” Doris Hakim, CEO and president of CPI Aero and LIA board member and committee co-chair, said in a news release. “Our strategy includes educational partnerships, leveraging capital and developing the companies’ future leaders.”
In addition to Hakim, leadership of the LIA Manufacturing Trades Committee includes co-chair John Costanzo, senior advisor at Purolator International, co-vice-chair Brian Herrington, vice president of external relations and foundations at Scotts Miracle Gro, and John D’Addario, CEO of D’Addario & Company.