OUTREACH PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
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Improving Rhode Island Manufacturing and the Public Good
Polaris MEP drives, manages and/or plays a leading role in a variety of programs that are driven by the needs of smaller Rhode Island manufacturers. We enhance their performance and the economy of the Ocean State by working with key partners on new, innovative initiatives and by contributing to ongoing programs.
RI MADE
Polaris MEP/the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation will leverage a $5Million Defense Manufacturing Community Grant to establish Rhode Island Manufacturing to Accelerate the Defense Ecosystem, or RI MADE. The project will fund automation & robotics, cyber resiliency and risk mitigation resources to strengthen the state’s maritime defense industrial base.
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Bagley SkillsBridge
The Bagley SkillsBridge program is dedicated to bridging the skills gap between retiring manufacturing employees and new, incoming talent. It leverages funding from the Department of Labor Community Projects, championed by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Polaris MEP will power and implement the program.
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Supply Chain Solutions
This program leverages the strength of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network and connects Ocean State manufacturers to new suppliers or partners across the United States.
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Fast Track to Manufacturing
Expanding the pipeline of skilled workers with FREE training in partnership with CCRI and job placement support. Each year, preparing cohorts of trainees available to fill positions as CNC operator, Quality Control person, or entry-level manual machinist or toolmaker.
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JARC RI
Bringing Advanced Manufacturing training and employment services to underserved communities. A nationally-recognized Sectoral aproach/Center for Working Families model. Creating a pipeline of skilled, entry-level employees for CNC, welding, press brake, and more. Also partners with Polaris MEP and clients to deliver customized, on-site, and affordable training for incumbent workers.
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We Make RI
Helping RI Manufacturers fill open positions by recruiting and training potential workers. We Make RI paid training is open to unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders. Choose your track: General Manufacturing, Materials Handling, or Industrial Sewing.
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Workforce Development
Strengthening the industry’s workforce pipeline with programs that promote manufacturing careers and deliver needed / valued technical skills training.
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Job Quality Toolkit
The NIST Baldrige “Job Quality Toolkit” provides practical guidance on key drivers that turn routine jobs into high-quality / highly-sought-after careers. Coupled with the manufacturing expertise of Polaris MEP’s team, it is a powerful resource for attracting and retaining a diverse, productive & engaged workforce.
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WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING
Supporting the NEW Rhode Island chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), the only national & global trade association dedicated to supporting women who have chosen careers in manufacturing.
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ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
To help manufacturers reduce waste and their energy costs, Polaris MEP is expanding its portfolio of Energy & Sustainability Improvement Solutions. A variety of programs, including a “smart manufacturing” grant from the Department of Energy for nearly $2 million, will accelerate sustainability investments, increase competitiveness, and lead to significant savings for RI manufacturers.
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#MadeInRI
Raising the visibility of products made in the Ocean State and highlighting the contributions of RI’s manufacturers to our economy.