Our presence at national and regional conferences has become one of the most productive drivers of momentum. These events place us side-by-side with employers, educators, workforce leaders, and equipment manufactures. Together, we influence the direction of technical training in this country. We’re grateful to the many invitations we receive to attend and speak at these impactful events. We enter these rooms sharing real world results, outcomes, and the lived experience of workers and employers we serve. The response drives new partnerships, fresh collaboration, and direct support for our mission.

These conferences have already led to equipment donations and new sponsorships. Each meeting opens a path to increase access, expand offerings, and strengthen infrastructure to expand training opportunities.

We also enter these events with an important responsibility. The decisions made in these settings direct how apprenticeship evolves, how pathways take shape, and how communities gain access to opportunity. Our presence ensures those decisions stay grounded in real needs.

We influence those decisions by sharing what is working. We speak about competency-based learning. We describe how industry partnership brings value. We highlight inclusive practices and student support models that lead to success.

This conference cycle can be busy, exciting, and tiring but it matters. MI shows up, expanding our relationships and opportunities for all that we serve.

We just launched MI’s new Employer Outreach Magazine—a fresh, high-impact publication designed to connect industry leaders with the workforce solutions they need most.

Packed with program highlights, ROI, and actionable insights, this magazine showcases how partnering with MI drives retention, productivity, and long-term talent development.

Whether you're looking to learn more about what we do, upskill your team, explore apprenticeship pathways, or solve skilled labor shortages, this is your go-to resource for building a stronger, smarter workforce.

At the Dubai Air Show

The Dubai Airshow 2025 delivered a headline-grabbing announcement: Emirates Airline has placed an order for 65 additional Boeing 777‑9 jets, valued at $38 billion at list prices. This move pushes Emirates’ total 777X backlog to 270 aircraft, reinforcing Boeing’s position in the high-capacity, wide-body market.

This order is more than a sales win. It signals confidence in Boeing’s 777X program:

The deal also supports Boeing’s feasibility study for a 777‑10 variant, pointing to sustained demand for larger, fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing claims the 777‑9 will cut fuel use and emissions by 20%, aligning with industry sustainability goals.

The Pacific Northwest (PNW), home to Boeing’s major facilities and a dense aerospace supply chain, stands to benefit significantly.

1. Job Security & Growth A robust order book means extended production runs which translates to job stability and opportunity in Everett and surrounding areas. Potential investments in automation, tooling upgrades, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

2. Supply Chain Opportunities The 777X program touches hundreds of suppliers. Machine shops, composite fabricators, avionics integrators, and advanced materials providers in Washington and Oregon will see increased demand. For smaller firms, this is a chance to secure long-term contracts.

3. Technology Push With Boeing targeting efficiency gains and exploring a stretched variant, innovation will accelerate. Areas likely to see growth:

4. Regional Advantage The PNW’s aerospace cluster remains a magnet for talent and investment. A strong Boeing pipeline reinforces the region’s global reputation and could attract new high-value projects.

This order is more than a boost for Boeing—it’s a signal of resilience and opportunity for the entire advanced manufacturing ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.

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Welding Programs Director | Journey-Level Welder | Industry Trailblazer

With over 13 years of hands-on experience in the welding industry, Martha Hale brings unmatched expertise and energy to her role as Welding Program Director at MI. Martha’s career has spanned a wide range of environments and projects—each one sharpening her skills and deepening her passion for the trade.

One of her proudest accomplishments? Constructing a dolphin bridge in Alaska—a unique structure designed to connect two cranes in an ocean work zone, enabling safe and efficient movement for oil drilling operations.

Now, she’s channeling that same drive into shaping the next generation of welders. Martha is not only a skilled welder but also a dedicated educator and leader.

When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Martha diving into welding research just for fun. She’s especially interested in emerging technologies that are transforming the industry. For Martha, welding isn’t just a job, it’s a lifelong passion.

LISTEN TO THE 3 MIN SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW →

First Solo Runs in the Shop – Spokane's MICA (Machinists Institute Career Accelerator) Pre-Apprenticeship Milestone!

Our Spokane MICA students took a big step forward in their training by choosing their own machining projects and running mills and lathes independently for the first time.

From blueprint to build, they’re gaining real-world confidence and hands-on skills that set the foundation for a career in advanced manufacturing. Our MICA program has 3 skill tracks - Machinists, Welding, and Mechanic.

Until next time,

Built by Workers, Backed by Industry.