SmartStart

SmartStart

Preparing tomorrow’s industrial workforce.

Preparing 1 million young people for future-focused jobs in manufacturing and supply chains by 2035.

The global talent landscape is shifting fast. By 2030, the world will need 78 million more workers, but manufacturing could see 7.8 million jobs go unfilled by 2035. In the United States alone, 3.8 million manufacturing positions must be filled by 2033 - yet one in two may remain vacant, driven by persistent skill gaps and a diminishing pipeline of younger workers entering the sector.

SmartStart aims to prepare 1 million young people with future-focused jobs in manufacturing and supply chains by 2035.

Press Conference
Closing the Manufacturing Talent Gap in the US and Beyond

January 21, 2026

Speakers: Kiva Allgood, Blake Moret, Randi Weingarten, Becky Frankiewicz, Gretchen Whitmer, Andy Beshear


At the Annual Meeting 2026, SmartStart was formally launched. Watch the announcement to hear how education, industry and government are working together to turn ambition into action.

Key focus areas

Future-ready education

Modernizing education to match real industry needs, building practical skills for new-collar, technical, digital and sustainability-related entry-level jobs in future factories and supply chains.

Learning that leads to jobs

Combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, certifications and mentorship to open pathways into work or further education.

Making technical careers visible

Elevating the perceptions of technical careers by showcasing real success stories from industry, cutting-edge technologies and hands-on opportunities.

How we are creating impact

Career and college readiness

Building a skills-first, industry-relevant curriculum that equips students with next-gen skills and competencies by integrating technical, hands-on and essential human-centric skills, including collaboration, problem solving and leadership development.

Resource mobilization

Bringing together industry, education and workforce partners to validate curricula, offer internships and hiring events and equip educators and advisors with future-ready manufacturing skills.

Industry-recognized credentials

Enabling students to earn industry-recognized certifications that signal job readiness and technical competence to clear pathways to work or further education.

Featured insights

Indiana's scalable model for closing the manufacturing talent gap

Nearly 80 million new jobs are expected to be created over the next five years, with 3.8 million needed in the US manufacturing sector by 2033.

Can these tech classes transform school?

The world of work is changing, but many school systems face challenges adapting to the needs of today’s learners. 

Skills development is critical to bridging the global digital talent gap

Research finds that demand for digital skills is accelerating faster than global supply.

Get involved with SmartStart

Learn more about how to collaborate with the initiative.

SmartStart

A World Economic Forum Initiative
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