Insights and Data
Data to Inform
Workforce Planning
Our team of researchers and analysts take a data-driven approach to understanding industrial change and corresponding trends in education and training. We provide data and offer insights at the regional, state, and national levels as well as drill down into specific populations, like veterans.
Mapping the Biomanufacturing Workforce
Nearly 4 million U.S. workers support biomanufacturing and strengthen national competitiveness.
4M
Workers in U.S. metros with occupations relevant to biomanufacturing.
Hypersonics Federal Investment
Federal hypersonics spending remains almost entirely R&D focused.
$9B+
Federal hypersonics-related obligations since 2019, with ~93 percent dedicated to RDT&E.
Growing Microelectronics Workforce
Orlando is one of the nation’s fastest-growing microelectronics talent hubs.
10,913
Workers in microelectronics-related roles across the region.
Los Angeles Defense Manufacturing
Largest workforce and one of the strongest industrial bases for defense aircraft components.
$11.2B
Average annual contract value (2022–2024).
Critical Technology Areas
The Future of Defense Manufacturing
The Department of Defense has identified key Critical Technology Areas that are vital to meeting the United States’ most important national security needs. These six areas reflect the challenging and rapidly evolving landscape for technology investment, development, and adoption in the 21st century. For workforce development professionals, these CTAs are a clear roadmap of where defense-related manufacturing and jobs will be created, and what skills those jobs will require.
Newsletter
News & Updates
Stay current on trends, strategies, and success stories shaping the future of defense manufacturing workforce development with [insert name of newsletter].
Partner With Us
Our National Network of Innovative Partners
We work alongside a number of organizations that are working to accelerate priority technologies and solve workforce challenges across the U.S.
Industry Related Events
Upcoming Events
Join us at conferences, summits, and briefings focused on the future of workforce education and defense manufacturing.
DMC25
03/30/2026
Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida
DMC is the United States’ premier annual gathering for stakeholders in defense manufacturing — including engineers, technology leaders, policymakers, scientists, and industry professionals.
SME FUSION 2026
- 05/05/2026
- 05/10/2026
9:00 am to 2:00 pm- Nashville, TN
SME FUSION 2026 brings together leaders in manufacturing training and workforce development to share practical strategies for building a stronger talent pipeline. Learn how to onboard new hires more efficiently, upskill your current team, and preserve valuable institutional knowledge.
HI-TEC: High Impact Technology Exchange Conference
- 07/27/2026
- Austin, Texas
HI-TEC is a national conference on advanced technological education, supported by the National Science Foundation’s ATE program. It brings together educators, counselors, industry professionals, trade organizations, and technicians from across the country to improve and update their skills and knowledge.
2026 FAME National Conference
- 12/05/2026
- 3:00 pm to 12:00 pm
- Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Join peers from across the FAME network for expert speakers, breakout sessions, networking meals, training opportunities, and important announcements. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the FAME model, access practical strategies for chapter management and stakeholder engagement, and build a strong network of manufacturing and education professionals — all aimed at strengthening and advancing skilled manufacturing through shared knowledge and collaboration.
