Each October, we celebrate Manufacturing Month and the people, skills and innovation that drive production at PPG. We also highlight how the PPG Foundation and its partners inspire and equip the next generation of manufacturing talent.
Over the next decade, 3.8 million new manufacturing workers will need to be hired in the U.S. More than half of these roles may go unfilled without substantial investment in workforce development. Through the PPG Foundation, we’re doing our part to meet the demand for skilled trade workers by providing students with training and workforce development opportunities in manufacturing and coatings application.
We fund organizations that prepare upcoming talent to pursue careers in high-tech, modern manufacturing paths. In fact, we’ve invested around $1.1MM globally to date in 2025 toward workforce development initiatives that advance manufacturing, career readiness and other skilled trades.
“Today’s students are the next leaders who will ensure that manufacturing remains a place where innovation and opportunity thrive,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “From coatings application to robotics and engineering, we support programs that introduce young people to manufacturing careers and help build their skills through technical opportunities and experiences in real-world settings.”
Funding the Future: Investing in workforce development
Take a look at a sample of PPG Foundation partners and programs that promote and enhance skilled trade learning.
- Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation: The PPG Foundation provides scholarships for students enrolled in the advanced manufacturing Associate's Degree programs including Chemical Technician, Electronic Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology, Operational Excellence, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Logistics, and Manufacturing Maintenance.
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College: We support students in the Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing program who study electrical or mechanical systems.
- Bidwell Training Center (Pittsburgh, Pa.): By supporting the Chemical Laboratory Technician program, the PPG Foundation helps to fund market-relevant career training with instruction on laboratory equipment.
- Medina County Career Center (Medina, Ohio): Our grant supports the development and expansion of the Career Technical Education and credentialing programs, with funding for equipment and instructional materials.
During Manufacturing Month and through our PPG Foundation partners, we’re building stronger communities and providing students with a hands-on, practical education that arms them with the advanced skills needed for career placements in technical and STEM-related fields.