Home - Lawrence-Mercer Manufacturers Coalition

CHAMPIONS OF WORKFORCE

A collaboration of industry, education and community stakeholders creating and implementing solutions for the shared challenges we face growing our manufacturing workforce in Lawrence and Mercer counties.

We Are ... The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition

We are an industry-led organization determined to attract, retain and upskill the manufacturing workforce our members collectively need to thrive and grow. We recognize our shared workforce challenges and are determined to solve them by working together. Among our objectives is to attract net-new jobseekers by promoting the benefits of working in today’s manufacturing environment and through programming that targets youth, under-employed and underrepresented populations in our region. Further, we focus on retaining and up-skilling our current workforce by curating training programs for in-demand occupations and developing pathways for employees seeking to advance their careers.

Our Members

Community/Economic Development

Our Guiding Principles

Strengths-Based
Committing to objectively convening stakeholders to create solutions that maximize resources and avoid duplication.
Continuous Improvement
Using assessment and critical feedback to ensure solutions address the needs of manufacturers and workforce.
A Conduit
Connecting industry and stakeholders to share information and lessons learned, build and enhance relationships, and form meaningful partnerships.
Industry-Driven
Identifying and agreeing on shared manufacturing priorities that place collective good above individual benefit.
Collaborative
Valuing opinions and inclusiveness of all stakeholders to create an influential, independent and respected voice.
Proactive Innovation
Embracing new approaches that address evolving needs of manufacturers and the workforce.
Integrity
Building and maintaining trusting relationships and values the opinions and strengths of its stakeholders in addressing industry challenges.
Diversity
Attracting talent representative of the region through outreach and support that raises awareness of manufacturing and its rewarding career pathways.

Join the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition

Join LMMC at this critical stage to play an active role in our development and launch. LMMC’s vision is for a thriving regional manufacturing industry contributing to economic growth that offers visible, rewarding, and appealing career pathways to a diverse workforce through the collaborative effort of its stakeholders. Our success lies in being industry-led; our goals are to bring more talent to our industry.

Our sustainability plan includes funding the organization through membership fees, supplemented by federal, state and local grants for program-specific initiatives. As a member, you are a stakeholder that actively shapes LMMC’s formation, actions and impact, in addition to supporting our funding strategy.

Benefits of Membership

Collaborate with education and training providers to inform programs, skills and equipment
Assist with recruiting, retention and training
Participate in ongoing forum for information sharing and strategic discussion
Connect with funding and support for workforce development and training
Access learn and work, apprenticeship and incumbent training programs and funds
Improve perceptions of manufacturing careers as rewarding and appealing

Membership Levels and Annual Dues

Email info@lawrencemercermfg.com for more information or to join.

Manufacturers

(Located in/or serving Lawrence and/ or Mercer counties or proximate region)

Associate……………………………………………………………………………………………………………$1,000
(Businesses that provide services to manufacturers)

Associate………..$1,000
(Businesses that provide services to manufacturers)

Education……………………………………………………………………………………………………………$500
(K-12, post-secondary, private training organizations)

Education………….$500
(K-12, post-secondary, private training organizations)

Community or Economic/Workforce Development Organizations…………….$500

Start a Career in Manufacturing in Just Four Weeks

The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition’s Manufacturing Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship Program prepares individuals for entry-level manufacturing careers through hands-on training, real-world exposure and direct connections to local employers.

No prior experience is required. Participants become job-ready in four weeks and gain access to full-time manufacturing opportunities offering competitive pay, benefits and clear paths for advancement in Lawrence and Mercer counties.

Program Overview

Manufacturing Readiness is a free, accelerated boot-camp-style program combining classroom instruction, practical application and career preparation. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials and receive priority interviews with LMMC member manufacturers.

The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BC3@Lawrence campus in Shenango Commons. Participants may earn performance-based stipends of up to $750.

Two Tracks. One Clear Path to Employment.

Training is delivered through two integrated tracks designed to prepare participants for both the technical and professional demands of modern manufacturing workplaces.

Technical Manufacturing Training is led by Butler County Community College instructors and focuses on safety, quality and foundational skills such as OSHA 10, measurement tools, lockout/tagout and manufacturing math.

Career Readiness Training, provided by Goodwill Industries and PA CareerLink®, builds essential workplace skills including professionalism, communication, interviewing and financial literacy.

Manufacturing Readiness offers one clear outcome: preparation for immediate employment with local manufacturers.