America Makes – Our Education and Workforce Strategy a K through Grey Approach

Abstract: Join us to learn about America Makes, the national innovation institute for additive manufacturing and its dedication to our workforce and future talent pipeline.  Josh will share the education and workforce development mission and vision, current programs as well as ways to engage throughout the portfolio.  Part of this discussion will be data on the institutes impact since its inception in 2012 as well as discussing what our additive workforce needs are in the future across the industry.   

Bio: Josh Cramer joined NCDMM in 2018 as the Education and Workforce Director for America Makes, providing overall program leadership responsibility for all America Makes' Education and Workforce initiatives. Previously, Josh served as the Director of Educational Programs at the SME Education Foundation, monitoring, promoting, and evaluating all its major programs. In addition to those duties, he also served for a time as the Interim Executive Director of the Foundation. At the SME Education Foundation, Josh's duties entailed actively collaborating with manufacturing partners to assess the knowledge and skillset needs to establish strategic plans while building programs to meet the skills gap needs of manufacturers. Before joining the SME Education Foundation, Josh was the Director of School Engagement, for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. Josh started his education career as an Applied Engineering Instructor for the South Park School District in South Park, Pa.

Josh holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education as well as Industrial Technology from the California University of Pennsylvania as well as Engineering Education certification.