The American manufacturing sector is at a crossroads. While innovation in technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the industry is simultaneously battling a profound talent shortage, often termed the “Silver Tsunami,” as a significant portion of its experienced workforce approaches retirement age. QAD | Redzone is stepping up to this challenge, passionately proving that investing in our local communities and developing young talent is the key to building the next generation of manufacturing champions.
The numbers paint a stark picture and demand immediate attention. Today, there are approximately 500,000 open jobs across U.S. manufacturing. This crisis is projected to deepen significantly, with estimates indicating a crippling shortfall of about two million jobs by 2033. Adding to this urgent need for new workers, nearly 35% of the current manufacturing population is 55 or older. This generational shift creates a critical, time-sensitive need for an influx of young, motivated talent to ensure the vitality and competitive edge of American industry.
The F.A.S.T. Initiative
QAD | Redzone CEO Sanjay Brahmawar recognizes that cultivating future champions is an imperative for the company and the industry. That’s where F.A.S.T.— Future Advantage Supply Chain Training — steps in. QAD | Redzone and its employees are deeply committed to this initiative, understanding that fostering the next wave of supply chain and manufacturing professionals is vital for the nation’s economic health. The program’s involvement is rooted in a passion to go out and encourage the next generation into the essential fields of manufacturing and supply chain.
The F.A.S.T. initiative, hosted at Detroit Southeastern High School, is a comprehensive 1.5-year commitment delivered through an after-school format, which includes a valuable summer internship. It is meticulously designed to give students a genuine, hands-on advantage, effectively bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world industry. The F.A.S.T. program is the result of a powerful, collaborative effort, developed and delivered by a dedicated team led by Lori Sisk. As Lori explained, the clear intent is to give high school students an early, tangible advantage. The program enables students to graduate high school with a certificate in supply chain, preparing them to pursue further college studies or step directly into the workforce within a logistics organization or manufacturing company.
Inspiration for the Future
The true measure of the program’s success lies in the inspiring stories of students like Malik Dawson, one of the outstanding participants from Detroit Southeastern High School. Malik’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship and opportunity. Assistant Principal Allan Washington stated, “My proudest moment would be their presentation at the end of the internship at W.F. Whelan.” Allan further noted, “The experiences that they gained, the contacts and the people that are now in their network that are rooting for them are invaluable.” The program provided Malik with a summer job and, crucially, a platform for personal and professional growth. Allan’s proudest moment was indeed witnessing the students delivering their final presentation at the end of the internship.
Malik shared that he now understands the supply chain is global and pervasive, impacting “everything, like the clothes on your back.” He feels he has a crucial “jumpstart” by beginning the program in the 11th grade. The confidence he has gained — connecting with industry leaders, eliminating his social anxiety, and improving his speaking skills — is now fueling his ambition to pursue a higher level of education in supply chain at Wayne State University. The program has fundamentally transformed Malik’s outlook, inspiring him to see a long-term future in the industry. Malik’s mother, Richelle Smothers, stated, “Malik’s growth has been immense and solidified his new-found confidence and maturity.”
The inspiring story of Malik Dawson, rooted in the Detroit community, is living proof that intentional investment in young talent is the most critical step we can take to secure the future of manufacturing and supply chain. QAD | Redzone hopes this momentum continues and invites others to join in opening up the world of exciting manufacturing and supply chain careers to youth in their own communities!
You can learn more about Malik’s story by viewing the Champions panel session at this year’s Champions of Manufacturing event below, or by watching this brief video of his amazing journey and transformation.
