The Future of Manufacturing Workforce Development, AI, and Digital Transformation with Bryce Carpenter

How can manufacturers solve workforce shortages while embracing artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation?

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan sits down with Bryce Carpenter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations & Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, to discuss how one of America's strongest manufacturing states is preparing its workforce for the future.

Bryce shares how manufacturers, educators, policymakers, and economic development organizations can work together to strengthen talent pipelines, accelerate technology adoption, and help small and mid-sized manufacturers compete in an increasingly digital economy.

From apprenticeships and plant tours to AI use cases and workforce partnerships, this conversation is packed with practical ideas for manufacturing leaders looking to attract talent, improve operations, and future-proof their organizations.

In This Episode You'll LearnWhy workforce development remains manufacturing's biggest challenge and biggest opportunityHow AI is helping reshape the image of modern manufacturing careersWhy apprenticeships and work-based learning outperform traditional recruiting methodsHow manufacturers can partner with schools to build long-term talent pipelinesWhy digital transformation creates higher-paying jobs instead of replacing workersHow manufacturers are successfully introducing AI without creating employee resistanceWhy sharing best practices across manufacturers accelerates innovationThe value of plant tours, peer networking, and manufacturing associationsHow Conexus Indiana collected more than 100 real-world AI manufacturing use casesWhy collaboration between industry, education, and government is essential for workforce success

Key Topics DiscussedWorkforce developmentManufacturing workforce shortagesAI in manufacturingDigital transformationAdvanced manufacturingManufacturing leadershipApprenticeshipsWork-based learningCareer and technical education (CTE)Community collegesEmployee retentionWorkforce recruitmentManufacturing technologyIndustrial automationCobotsManufacturing associationsEconomic developmentManufacturing innovationSupply chain developmentManufacturing careers

Memorable Quotes"The day I started, the biggest challenge was workforce. Today, it's still workforce.""AI is helping manufacturers show young people what modern manufacturing really looks like.""Technology is additive to workers, not a replacement for workers.""You don't have to solve