Google: US$10m in Funding for the Manufacturing Institute

Google announced US$10m in funding for the Manufacturing Institute (MI) to assist the US workforce for what Google calls 'a new era of industrial innovation'.

The funding, from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is designed to equip 40,000 current and future manufacturing employees with AI skills, as well as expanding apprenticeship opportunities to 15 US regions.

The funding seeks to address a skills gap in the industry, where just 19% of manufacturers offer AI-related training, according to research by the MI and PwC.

What the funding will cover

Google.org’s funding will enable the MI to develop two new courses for shopfloor workers: AI 101 for Manufacturing and Advanced AI for Manufacturing Technicians. 

The 101 course will contextualise existing AI training from Google specifically for the manufacturing environment, while the AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course will be developed by the MI. 

The funding will help the MI provide Google’s new AI Professional Certificate to current and future manufacturing workers at no cost.

Google.org’s Global Head, Maggie Johnson, says: “Google.org wants the manufacturers who build our world to have access to the best technology for the job.

“We’re proud to support the Manufacturing Institute’s efforts with our funding and technological expertise. This initiative will bring hands-on AI skills to the shop floor, helping manufacturing students and workers shape this new era of American innovation.”

AI skills gap in the US

The MI suggests that the US is facing a significant manufacturing skills gap. By 2033, it projected that nearly 1.9 million manufacturing roles could go unfilled if the workforce is not equipped with the necessary technical skills.

McKinsey argues that despite advances in technology (such as gen AI and new approaches to crew scheduling), manufacturers are still struggling to increase productivity, a challenge driven in large part by a younger, less experienced labour force.

Workers also worry about AI adoption in the workplace. According to data published in Harvard Business Review, 65% of people agreed that they “worry about being replaced by someone who knows how to use AI better than I do."

MI President, Carolyn Lee, says: “So much of the narrative around AI and the workplace is fear-based. 

“One thing we’ve learned in manufacturing time and again is that as new technologies are introduced, it is essential to ensure our workers build the skills needed to engage. 

“AI is transforming our world, and preparing our workers to engage and deploy these tools will set them and manufacturers up for success. The MI is grateful for Google’s recognition and trust in our ability to carry out this important work.”

Training and scholarships

As part of the initiative, the MI will also launch Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapters in at least 15 new regions. The multiemployer apprenticeship program is a model for training advanced maintenance technicians and building durable talent pipelines for manufacturers in 46 hubs across the country. 

The AI for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians course will be embedded across all FAME chapters. 

Google.org is also supporting the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to provide Work Ethic Scholarships to FAME students. This program will provide financial assistance to eligible participants completing their manufacturing programs.

US manufacturing and AI

The investment in AI training in manufacturing comes at a time when a 2025 Deloitte survey of 600 manufacturing executives found that 80% plan to invest 20% or more of their improvement budgets in smart manufacturing initiatives.

Currently, just 19% of manufacturers currently offer AI-related training, according to research by the MI and PwC.

McKinsey argues that without skilled and empowered employees, robust infrastructure and strong cyber protections, even the most advanced automation or optimisation tools risk stalling at pilot stage or exposing the enterprise to new vulnerabilities.