ICPF and PMMI Foundation Partner at SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference to Strengthen Workforce Pipeline

Why It Matters

By linking industry leaders directly with the next generation of technical talent, the collaboration tackles the growing skilled‑labor shortage in manufacturing and creates a clearer pipeline for packaging careers.

Key Takeaways

• ICPF becomes Silver Sponsor of SkillsUSA, reaching 444,000 CTE students
• Partnership with PMMI Foundation expands packaging career awareness at national conference
• On-site exhibit at Booth #857 runs June 2‑4, 2026
• Scavenger hunt engages students with industry representatives and career pathways
• Joint speaker series links professionals directly to classrooms nationwide

Pulse Analysis

SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference is a cornerstone event for career‑technical education, drawing over 400,000 students and educators each year. The conference offers a unique platform where industry partners can showcase career pathways, provide hands‑on experiences, and influence curriculum development. As manufacturers grapple with a persistent skilled‑labor shortage, such engagements become critical for aligning education outcomes with real‑world demands, ensuring that graduates possess the competencies employers need.

The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation’s decision to become a Silver Sponsor reflects a strategic push to embed packaging industry opportunities within the broader manufacturing narrative. Partnering with the PMMI Foundation, which has a long history of supporting SkillsUSA, amplifies this effort. Together they are leveraging a national stage to highlight the diversity of roles—from machine operation to supply‑chain logistics—available in corrugated packaging, a sector projected to grow as e‑commerce expands. Their on‑site presence at Booth #857, coupled with a speaker series and a digital scavenger hunt, creates multiple touchpoints for students to explore these careers.

For businesses, the partnership signals a proactive approach to workforce development, reducing reliance on costly recruitment drives later. For students, it offers direct access to industry mentors, real‑world insights, and potential apprenticeship pathways. As the collaboration matures, it could serve as a model for other manufacturing segments seeking to bridge the talent gap, ultimately strengthening the U.S. industrial base and supporting economic resilience.