WORKFORCE MEETS METAL: Unlock Workforce Strategies - Rockford

Illinois is a critical hub for metals manufacturing in the U.S., and companies in casting, forging, plate rolling, and related industries are essential to both economic growth and national defense. As workforce challenges continue to rise, now is the time to tap into targeted resources that can help you attract, train, and retain the talent you need to thrive.

Join us for a strategic roundtable discussion on October 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM at The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, facilitated by Mary Hallock of IMEC and Scott Ellsworth of Jobs for the Future.

This event will introduce you to The METAL Project (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning), a national initiative led by IACMI – The Composites Institute and supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. The project is focused on building a national network of education and training providers to develop a modern, highly skilled workforce for the metals industry.

What You’ll Gain:

Actionable insights into METAL Project resources, including:

• Apprenticeship program development

• Work-based learning strategies

• High school and postsecondary education partnerships

• Financial support to implement these programs

An inside look at the IMEC workforce and operations solutions, designed to help your company strengthen operations, improve talent retention, and overcome workforce barriers

Opportunities to share your company’s challenges and collaborate with industry peers on practical, forward-looking workforce strategies

Why Attend:

• Understand how to access federal and state support for workforce development

• Learn how to implement industry-aligned training programs

• Make connections that will help you build a stronger talent pipeline

• Discover how IMEC and METAL can work together to meet your specific needs

Together, we’re equipping Illinois manufacturing leaders with practical, industry-aligned workforce strategies and unlocking federal support to power growth and competitiveness in the casting and forging sector.

Who Should Attend: Casting, Forging, Plate Rolling and related industries

Agenda:

8:00AM -8:30AM: Breakfast and Networking

8:30AM-8:35AM: GRCC Welcome Remarks & Overview

8:35AM-8:40AM: IMEC Overview

8:40AM-8:50AM: Metal Overview

8:50AM-9:00AM: Quick Break

9:00AM-10:15AM: Roundtable Discussion

10:15AM-10:45AM: Supporting Programs and Funding Resources

10:45AM-11:00AM: Closing Remarks

Parking Instructions:

Free 3-hour parking

- Corner of Main Street & Mulberry Street - behind District Bar & Grill

Paid parking garages

- Corner of Main Street and State Street - across the street from the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce office

- Corner of Main Street and Elm Street - across the street from Cantina Taco

**Please note: The parking in front of the office is only one hour and ABM will give tickets.

Host or Publisher IMEC