January 18, 2012

WHOLESALE PRICES DECLINED IN DECEMBER

Today in Manufacturing
Labor Department says wholesale prices fell last month because companies paid less for food and energy, evidence that inflation remains tame ... continue

HOW CHINA IS STEALING OUR SECRETS
Today in Manufacturing
The FBI ranks China as one of the greatest potential espionage threats over the next decade and has performed four investigations over the past 20 years ... continue

2012 STARTS ON POSITIVE LOGISTICS NUMBERS
Quick Manufacturing News
Transportation employment increased more than 1.5% year-over-year in December, with rail employment up 3.9% and trucking up 3.2%. Transportation industries added about 50,200 employees in December, accounting for 25.1% of the overall net employment gains added last month. Click to continue

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AIMED AT ADDRESSING SKILLS GAPS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
University of Phoenix
WASHINGTON D.C. , Jan. 12, 2012— Continuing to develop the next generation of highly- educated and competitive manufacturing workers, The Manufacturing Institute, in conjunction with University of Phoenix, today announced that it will offer 20 full tuition scholarships for an undergraduate or graduate degree at University of Phoenix. The scholarships are part of a continued educational alliance between The Manufacturing Institute and University of Phoenix to help address the educational and skills gaps impacting the manufacturing sector.

According to a recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, nearly 70 percent of American manufacturing companies have a moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers. In addition, the survey found that manufacturing companies cannot fill as many as 600,000 skilled positions—even as unemployment numbers hover at historic levels.

“Partnering with educational institutions like University of Phoenix is critical in addressing the manufacturing skills gap,” said Emily DeRocco, president, The Manufacturing Institute. “Through scholarships, manufacturing relevant degree programs and additional educational pathways, we can align education and training to help meet the needs of employers and job-seekers.”

The Manufacturing Institute and University of Phoenix have collaborated to create a unique program concentration that is aligned with the competencies defined by the industry as essential for successful manufacturing careers. The Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Manufacturing provides students with education that is vital to growth and innovation. The University also offers a multitude of degree programs in business, information technology, human resources as well as sales and marketing that teach the core competencies in demand with leading manufacturers.

“The research and data are clear: our nation’s manufacturers need a more qualified and skilled workforce,” said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president, University of Phoenix. “University of Phoenix is committed to being part of the solution and we look forward to continuing our work with The Manufacturing Institute to develop new and innovative programs to educate our next generation of manufacturing workers.”

The 20 full-tuition scholarships are available for qualified individuals currently employed by a manufacturer, a transitioning employee (within the past year) looking to reenter the manufacturing workforce or an individual considering a career in manufacturing. Community college students graduating with a manufacturing-related associate degree prior to June 13, 2012, or students completing an industry-recognized credential or certification program prior to June 13, 2012, are also eligible. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for an undergraduate or graduate degree at any of University of Phoenix’s more than 200 locations or online.

This is the second year that The Manufacturing Institute and University of Phoenix have partnered to offer these scholarships. One of last year’s scholarship recipients, Ken Konecki of Sacramento, Calif., is currently pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at University of Phoenix.

“Having an MBA in today’s economy will help increase my competitive edge and put me on the path toward management,” said Konecki. “Manufacturing jobs will continue to play an important role in our economy’s future, and I am thankful for this scholarship that will help expand my knowledge and growth within this sector.”

For more information including scholarship criteria, requirements and deadlines visit:

www.phoenix.edu/mischolarship .