Heroes MAKE America Training Program
Our training program prepares veterans and military spouses to excel in manufacturing careers
Heroes MAKE America
Become a Sponsor Today
Support Our WorkBuilding connections between the military community and the manufacturing industry
Our signature program provides integrated certification and career-readiness training in partnership with local community colleges to prepare transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists and military spouses for rewarding careers in manufacturing.
Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing
Virtual initiative to facilitate introductions between the military community and manufacturers looking to hire this talent
Hiring Resources and Career Openings
Resources and career openings for veterans and military spouses
Resources For Employers
Heroes MAKE America is committed to helping manufacturers integrate Heroes participants and other great talent from the military community into their workforce. Explore resources for employers, including best practice sharing, hiring trainings and more.
Discover a Dedicated Workforce
The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program partners with manufacturing leaders who are building supportive communities of veterans proactively within their organizations. From hiring, to hosting facility tours, to sponsorships and more, explore opportunities for your company or organization to get involved with Heroes MAKE America today.
Upcoming Events
Heroes MAKE America for Manufacturers
Virtual Information Session
An overview for company representatives who want to learn how to get involved
Heroes MAKE America Manufacturing Career Fair
Fort Riley Community Center
446 Seitz Drive Fort Riley, Kansas 66442
Heroes MAKE America for Prospective Participants
Virtual Information Session
An overview for the military-connected community to learn how to participate.
Recruiting & Retaining Talent from the Army Reserve
Military to Manufacturing Virtual Event
Join us to learn more about recruiting and retaining from the Army Reserve
News
Workforce
A Helicopter Mechanic’s Manufacturing Career Takes Off
December 10, 2021Marsalis Leonard didn’t grow up in a gearhead family, but from the beginning of his eight years as a helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army, he was immersed in a world of skills he would never have anticipated seeking out…
Workforce
An Army Vet Finds Military Values in Manufacturing
June 16, 2021Hugo Hinojosa loved being in the military. He served 22 years in the U.S. Army, with time in eight different duty stations. His service gave him the opportunity to get a degree, travel the world, see different places and forge…
Workforce
“Manufacturing Is an Obvious Choice” for a Veteran
July 2, 2020Dan Mitchell didn’t expect to join the Army, which means he couldn’t have expected to translate his military experience into a career in manufacturing. But thanks to The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program, that’s where he is now. The…
Workforce
A Hero Finds a Quality Career
December 23, 2020Nicole Reyna’s professional journey—from college student to Army sergeant to senior quality assurance technologist at Smithfield Foods—wasn’t one she had planned. But thanks to The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program, it’s one that has brought her where she wants…
Workforce
From Army Mechanic to Food Manufacturer
June 26, 2020Brittanee Sayer is the sixth of seven siblings who have served in branches of the military. Given her family’s example, she always knew she would serve her country. But what would come after that? The answer: manufacturing, thanks to training…
Workforce
Heroes MAKE America Graduate’s Manufacturing Career Takes Flight
July 2, 2019Joseph Smith spent 20 years in the military, beginning as a mechanic working on Apache helicopters and serving for most of his career as a maintenance supervisor in the U.S. Army. Today, he’s a maintenance unit supervisor based in Davenport,…
Workforce
Heroes MAKE America Fuels Veteran’s Oil and Gas Career
August 26, 2019As a child, Josh Matherne dreamed of joining the military. He realized that dream as a team supervisor in the U.S. Army infantry at Fort Hood, where he mentored younger soldiers and helped ensure that they were doing their jobs…
Workforce
Heroes MAKE America Student Goes from the Army to Mars
June 10, 2019As a production scheduler for Mars, Incorporated, Thomas Schlieper has a hand in sending sweet treats all over the world. In some ways, it’s very different from his former career. As a teenager, Schlieper joined the Army National Guard because…
Workforce
Heroes MAKE America Student Makes Tracks at Goodyear
June 20, 2019Jason Gustine has always enjoyed learning how things are made. As an area manager at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Topeka, Kansas, he taps into his lifelong interest while making use of the people skills and the processes…
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