“Bagley SkillsBridge”- Transferring Knowledge, Reducing Risk For Rhode Island Manufacturers
Capture Critical Knowledge & Skills from Aging Workers and Strengthen Your Entire Team
It’s no secret that the aging workforce poses a serious risk to manufacturing companies, especially in Rhode Island where the share of workers over 55 and approaching retirement age is 34.6%. Many companies worry about the danger of critical knowledge and unique skillsets walking out the door — and yet struggle to find the needed capacity or financing to transfer that knowledge to an upcoming worker.
In 2018, the Rhode Island Textiles Innovation Network outlined a pilot program to address this challenge with help from the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polaris MEP. With support from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and former Congressman David Cicilline, federal legislation was proposed to fund the “Bagley SkillsBridge,” ensuring that critical skills can be passed on. In the fall of 2024, this program becomes a reality.
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What is the Bagley SkillsBridge Program? What organizations are involved?
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, Rhode Island’s non-profit Manufacturing Extension Partnership center (MEP), will power and implement the program. Partners include the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association.
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Who is Eligible for the Bagley SkillsBridge?
There are only three requirements for a company to be eligible for the Bagley SkillsBridge program:
Company must be actively manufacturing in Rhode Island.
There must be an identified need for training assistance specific to retiring employee(s).
The manufacturing company has committed adequate internal resources and support.
The application process includes questions related to current succession planning practices, challenges and obstacles, and commmitment and engagement. A selection panel will review all applications and determine who will be accepted into the program.
Site Selection Group compiled statistics to show that the top five manufacturing sectors with the greatest increase in aging workforce are as follows:
However, every Rhode Island manufacturer is invited to apply for this program, so long as you meet the eligibility guidelines above.
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How Long Does a SkillsBridge Project Take?
The Bagley SkillsBridge program is designed for maximum impact and learning within a maximum of 13 weeks, if a company already has an employee identified to take over the critical role of the retiring worker.
- Week 1: Knowledge Transfer Interviews
- Week 2: Training in TWI Job Instruction methodology
- Weeks 3-4: Training Plan Development
- Weeks 5-12: Training Plan Implementation, including weekly check-in meetings with Polaris MEP advisors.
- Week 13: Final Meeting.
How Do I Identify Employees to Participate?
Polaris MEP’s expert advisors – Program Manager Taylor Greene, a Project Manager and the Workforce team – can work with companies to assess which critical roles would put the manufacturer at greatest risk, should a seasoned, skilled worker retire without first transferring knowledge.
We also can support you in identifying and/or recruiting an employee to step into that critical role.
What Do Participating Companies Receive?
Rhode Island Manufacturers accepted into the Bagley SkillsBridge program receive customized training plans, instrution in TWI Job Instruction for creating future knowledge transfer plans, 18-20 hours of expert instruction and support, and up to $17,500 to support salary, benefits and/or contract wage expenses for retiring employee(s).
What Does It Cost to Participate in Bagley SkillsBridge?
$3,000 per company. This fee covers:
- expert knowledge transfer interviews
- TWI Job Instruction training
- development of a customized training plan, structured to how the knowledge transfer will occur (documentation + mentoring + Job Instruction + hands-on training + ??)
- customized training materials aligned with company-specific processes and systems
- grant management of up to $17,500 to support salary, benefits, and/or contract wage expenses for retiring employees
| > APPLY FOR THE BAGLEY SKILLSBRIDGE PROGRAM NOW |
Polaris MEP is committed to offering the best business improvement programs to Rhode Island Manufacturers.
In order to achieve that goal, to provide metrics to the Bagley SkillsBridge funders, and to justify continued U.S. Department of Commerce funding for these services, participants are asked to provide impact data and assessment. Participants will be required to complete a short online survey within 1-3 days of completion of their SkillsBridge project and possibly again through an impartial third-party survey firm, 6-12 months after the project ends.