As part of the BlueTIDE 2026 experience, Polaris Tech Bridge brought together an impressive group of blue technology innovators and investors for an afternoon of Investor + Innovation Speed Dating at Innovate Newport.
Category: Careers
Rhode Island Perfectly Positioned’ to Become World Center of Undersea Technology
At the final session of Innovate Newport’s Blue Tech Talks on June 30, a clear message surfaced: the state, particularly around Narragansett Bay, has all the ingredients to become a global hub for ocean tech. Not someday—now.
We Needed Automation to Reshore Our Supply Chain
IndustryWeek’s article “We Needed Automation to Reshore Our Supply Chain” describes how TAC Industries, a Springfield, Ohio-based manufacturer that produces cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force, used automation as the key lever to bring critical hardware sourcing back from Asia to the United States.
A New Class of Welders Is Ready to Step Into Rhode Island’s Manufacturing Workforce
On June 25, something meaningful happened at New England Institute of Technology. A group of graduates walked across the stage—not just to mark the end of a program, but to step into entirely new careers.
R.I.’s manufacturing sector braces for owner exits
Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector is facing a pivotal moment—one that will shape the future of the industry for decades to come. A recent Providence Business News article highlights a pressing reality: nearly 80% of the state’s manufacturers are approaching ownership transition without a clear succession plan in place.
Collaboration in Action: Highlights from North Kingstown’s Manufacturers’ Forum
Attendees raised concerns ranging from day-to-day operational hurdles—like transportation and logistics challenges—to broader systemic issues such as talent pipelines and regulatory navigation.
Let Polaris MEP Help You with Registered Apprenticeships
Last week was National Apprenticeship Week and in recognition, Polaris MEP is excited to spotlight new opportunities for manufacturers to strengthen their workforce through Registered Apprenticeships.
The Importance of Apprenticeships
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, one challenge continues to rise above the rest: the growing skills gap. One of the most powerful solutions? Apprenticeships.
Bridging the Warehouse Labor Gap: Untapped Talent and Smarter Strategies
Open positions far outnumber available candidates… at least among the traditional talent pool. The good news is that the labor pool is deeper than most think. By looking beyond the usual candidates and tapping into overlooked populations, warehouses can not only fill jobs but also boost retention, productivity and even safety.
Polaris MEP Releases 2025 State of Manufacturing Report for Rhode Island
The 2025 report combines multiple sources, including industry trend analysis, the Voice of Manufacturing Survey (VOMS), and insights from manufacturers, policymakers, and community leaders.