WARREN, Ohio – Anna Barensfeld, vice president of strategic initiatives at Ellwood Group, said workforce development is critical to the long-term future of manufacturing in western Pennsylvania and beyond.
Barensfeld emphasized that building the workforce of tomorrow requires a shift in skills, with growing demand for expertise in programming, electronics and artificial intelligence alongside traditional hands-on manufacturing capabilities.
She noted that manufacturers must begin preparing that workforce today to meet future needs, highlighting collaborative efforts such as the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition, which brings together regional companies to promote career opportunities and strengthen talent pipelines.
Barensfeld also pointed to the role local manufacturers play in large-scale national projects, including participation in the supply chain for space exploration initiatives, underscoring the global impact of companies based in the region.
She said continued investment in workforce development will be essential to sustaining innovation and ensuring long-term growth in the manufacturing sector.