Recruiting Challenges. Employee Retention. Leadership Development, Employee Engagement.
The Nebraska MEP Workforce Learning Network brings professionals together to learn from experts, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for building stronger manufacturing workforces.
Designed exclusively for professionals working in manufacturing, the Workforce Learning Network combines professional development, expert-led learning, individual resources, and meaningful connections with others facing similar workforce challenges.
Participation is limited to 15 members, creating an environment that encourages active participation, stronger relationships, and productive discussion throughout the program.
Who Should Participate?
The Workforce Learning Network is designed for professionals with workforce responsibilities within manufacturing organizations, including:
- Human Resources professionals
- Recruiting managers
- Talent managers
- Learning & Development professionals
- Employee engagement professionals
- Workforce development professionals
- Leadership development professionals
- Others responsible for workforce initiatives
Whether your primary focus is finding employees, retaining talent, developing leaders, or strengthening the employee experience, the network provides opportunities to expand your knowledge and connect with professionals working toward similar goals.
Explore the Workforce Issues That Matter
Six virtual learning sessions will explore core challenges facing manufacturing workforce leaders. Sessions will feature outside subject matter experts and practical perspectives, with participant input helping determine the topics addressed throughout the program.
Potential focus areas include:
- Recruiting & Retention
- Employer Branding
- Employee Engagement
- Workforce Pipeline Development
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Leadership Development
- Talent Management
- Workplace Flexibility
- Frontline Training & Onboarding
- Workforce Compliance
The program's internal framework identifies recruiting, retention, and leadership as its primary themes, with potential sessions addressing topics ranging from job advertising and employer branding to succession planning and employee engagement.
More Than a Traditional Peer Group
The Workforce Learning Network is built around learning and professional growth. Rather than relying solely on networking and peer discussion, the program incorporates presentations from subject matter experts, professional development experiences, and resources participants can use within their organizations.
Members also have opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with other manufacturing workforce professionals. Participant input will help shape topics throughout the program, allowing the network to address workforce issues that matter to the group.
A Blended Learning Experience
The Workforce Learning Network combines in-person experiences with virtual learning throughout the program.
Two In-Person Meetings
Two in-person experiences provide opportunities to build relationships, explore workforce development strategies, and learn in environments that support deeper engagement.
Lincoln | December 2026
The program begins with an in-person kickoff featuring CliftonStrengths. The experience is designed to build personal awareness, establish connections among participants, and set expectations for active participation throughout the network.
Kearney | May 2027
The second in-person meeting brings participants together in Central Nebraska for a workforce development experience focused on apprenticeship and workforce pipeline strategies.
6 Virtual Learning Sessions
Six virtual sessions between January and September provide continued learning throughout the program. Sessions focus on recruiting, retention, leadership, and other workforce priorities and feature relevant subject matter experts and resources.
Start with Your Strengths
The Workforce Learning Network begins with a CliftonStrengths professional development experience in partnership with the Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The connection is especially meaningful for a Nebraska-based workforce program. Don Clifton's strengths-based research has deep roots at the University of Nebraska, making CliftonStrengths a natural component of a program focused on developing people and organizations.
Participants receive:
- CliftonStrengths assessment
- Leadership Report
- In-person CliftonStrengths activity
Beginning with CliftonStrengths helps participants develop greater self-awareness while creating opportunities to understand and connect with other members of the network.
Additional Resources for Members
HR Consulting Support
Each participant receives two 30-minute phone consultations to use during the program, providing access to an additional resource for workforce-related questions and needs.
Expert Perspectives
Outside subject matter experts bring current information, specialized knowledge, and new ideas to discussions about manufacturing workforce challenges.
Manufacturing Connections
Build relationships with other Nebraska professionals responsible for recruiting, retention, talent development, employee engagement, and workforce strategy.
Participant-Driven Learning
Participants have opportunities to provide input on topics of interest, helping shape the learning experience around relevant workforce challenges and opportunities.
Program at a Glance
Kickoff: December 2026
Conclusion: Manufacturing Month 2027
Format: 2 In-Person Meetings + 6 Virtual Sessions
Participation: Limited to 15 Members
Audience: Manufacturing Workforce Professionals
Investment: $2,500 per participant
Build Your Network. Expand Your Knowledge. Strengthen Your Workforce.
The Workforce Learning Network provides a year-long opportunity to learn from workforce experts, connect with other manufacturing professionals, and explore strategies that can support recruiting, retention, leadership development, and workforce performance.
Join a learning community built specifically for Nebraska manufacturing workforce professionals.
