Mike Rowe
The announcement was made following a presentation by Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, at PMMI's Executive Leadership Conference in April. During his keynote, Rowe highlighted the critical role skilled trades professionals play in manufacturing success and addressed the growing workforce challenges facing U.S. industry.
Citing projections from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Rowe noted that millions of manufacturing jobs could go unfilled in the coming years due to a shortage of trained workers. His message reinforced the importance of investing in workforce development and creating pathways for individuals to pursue rewarding careers in technical and skilled trades professions.
In recognition of these challenges and the opportunities they present, PMMI announced its $10,000 donation to support the mikeroweWORKS Foundation's 2026 scholarship efforts. The Foundation has set an ambitious goal of awarding $10 million in work ethic scholarships next year, nearly double the amount distributed in 2025.
"Supporting workforce development is essential to the continued growth and success of manufacturing," says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. "PMMI is proud to contribute to initiatives that help individuals gain the skills needed to thrive in technical careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for our industry."
The donation aligns with PMMI's ongoing commitment to workforce development through initiatives such as PMMI Foundation scholarships, educational partnerships, student engagement programs, and skills development opportunities that help attract and prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
PMMI wishes the mikeroweWORKS Foundation continued success in achieving its $10 million scholarship goal and looks forward to seeing these future skilled professionals enter the manufacturing workforce, helping drive innovation and growth across industries.
For more with Mike Rowe, visit pmmi.org/podcasts to hear a candid unPACKed with PMMI podcast.
Join the Conversation at the PMMI Annual Meeting, where workforce development will continue to be a key topic of discussion, September 14–16, 2026, in Montréal, Québec. PMMI Members are encouraged to register and connect with industry leaders as they explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of packaging and processing.
Learn more and register at pmmi.org/annualmeeting.
