Training Resources and Funding Within Reach
With the right skills, your team can meet the requirements of an ever-shifting marketplace.
As the Manufacturing Sector Workforce Intermediary for Real Jobs RI, Polaris MEP is poised to address your company’s workforce needs by providing new hire placement and training assistance and/or incumbent worker trainings. Both services are highly customizable to ensure you are obtaining and retaining people with the skills that fit your needs.
Polaris MEP supports several intensive hands-on skills training programs for organizations that train unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders in a variety of manufacturing-based careers. These trainings include welding/fabrication, machining, and marine trades. As such, local companies gain access to a pool of individuals prepared with the technical and soft skills necessary to advance your business.
Incumbent worker training is vital to retaining current employees, adding to their skill sets, and raising their performance levels is essential to growing your business. By instilling a culture of continuous improvement, your team will always be ready to tackle the advanced manufacturing challenges of the future.
I see training as critical to helping our business push into new markets. The team at Polaris MEP has been great to work with for many years. Their services such as Job Instruction and skills training help us stay competitive and grow.
Mary Jane Connell
Human Resources Manager,
Colonial Mills, Inc.
Your Biggest Challenges Solved
Hire & Retain Talent
Market Competitiveness
Improve Quality
How We Help
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
Training is vital to retaining current employees. Polaris MEP helps you get those employees ready to tackle tomorrow’s manufacturing challenges, today.
On-site, in-context training customized to your needs:
- lean enterprise,
- continuous improvement,
- quality and management systems,
- succession planning,
- and many other critical skillsets.
CONNECTED RESOURCES
Polaris MEP is a direct line to get manufacturers the hiring and training support they need.
We are the Manufacturing Sector partner for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and its Real Jobs RI programs.
Polaris MEP also supports several intensive skills training programs that train unemployed/ underemployed Rhode Islanders for manufacturing careers.
GRANT FUNDING
The Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program is funded by the Job Development Fund (JDF). This program provides matching grants to businesses to increase the skills of current employees.
Polaris MEP can help you satisfy application requirements and acquire funding for hiring and training.
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
Polaris MEP provides a variety of ways to help your team informed on the latest tools and techniques, or brush up on the essentials.
Join us for
- webinars,
- workshops,
- lunch & learns,
- bus tours and more.
A Direct Connection to Development Resources
- Polaris MEP works closely with the RI Department of Labor & Training, as well as numerous Workforce Development organizations. Our access is your access.
- Training programs conducted by seasoned manufacturing veterans.
- Boost your competitiveness and future-proof your team with continuous development and long term learning plans.
Related
Why Modern Supply Chains Can’t Rely on Efficiency Alone
Materials Handling & Logistics’ article “Resilient by Design: Why Modern Supply Chains Can’t Rely on Efficiency Alone,” by George Ninikas, argues that cost-optimized networks on paper often break down when real-world conditions change. Ninikas, senior vice...
Rhode Island Manufacturers: Claim Tariff Refunds—But Stay Alert to Scams
Rhode Island Manufacturers: Claim Tariff Refunds—But Stay Alert to Scams Rhode Island’s manufacturing community—made up largely of small and mid-sized businesses—is no stranger to navigating rising costs and global trade challenges. Now, there’s a potential...
Polaris MEP Releases 2025 State of Manufacturing Report for Rhode Island
Polaris MEP Releases 2025 State of Manufacturing Report for Rhode Island Polaris MEP is proud to announce the release of the 2025 State of Manufacturing Rhode Island Report, a comprehensive look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping one of the Ocean...
Retraining your current employees can help retain workers and avoid a gap in skilled labor. With training, these employees can learn the skills necessary to continue and advance in their roles, while also advancing your company’s bottom line.
Lindsey Brickle
Workforce Program Manager, Polaris MEP
Category: Workforce Development
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.
New AI Model Shows How to Evacuate for Fires One Safe Step at a Time
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed an artificial intelligence model, called Safe Step, that is designed to help people evacuate more safely during fires by continuously steering them toward routes with the lowest danger, not just the closest exit.
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.
Why Modern Supply Chains Can’t Rely on Efficiency Alone
The more optimized a supply chain became, the more competitive it would be. However, the past several years have challenged that assumption.
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.
Rhode Island Manufacturers: Claim Tariff Refunds—But Stay Alert to Scams
For Rhode Island manufacturers—many of whom rely on imported materials, components, or equipment—refunds could translate into thousands (or more) in returned funds, potentially including interest.
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.
The Warehouse Safety Audit: 5 Common Fire Risks You’re Probably Missing
Fire protection in warehouses is not just about sprinklers; it requires ongoing planning, training, and practice to maintain system effectiveness. The best way to address common issues is by embedding fire safety into facility culture.
NIST Researchers Develop Photonic Chip Packaging That Can Withstand Extreme Environments
NIST scientists have developed a new process for packaging photonic integrated circuits so they can survive and operate in some of the most extreme environments imaginable.




